French Embassy in Kenya Head of Cooperation and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Denis SAINTE-MARIE (3rd left) when he paid a courtesy call to the VC, Prof Stephen Kiama.
A delegation from the French Embassy in Kenya, led by the Head of Cooperation and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Denis SAINTE-MARIE, paid a courtesy call to the Vice Chancellor Prof Stephen Kiama, on Monday, March 27, 2023. Together with him was the French Embassy attaché for Scientific and University Cooperation, Professional Training, Mr. Mathieu GUERIN.
The new Head of Cooperation and Cultural Affairs was on a familiarization visit to the university as the university has a project with the French Development Agency (AFD) in the construction of an Engineering and Science Complex (ESC). In terms of regional development, the Department of Cooperation and Cultural Affairs, represents the Embassy, in coordination with AFD’s country representation, at local donor meetings in both European and "development partner" formats.
Mr. SAINTE-MARIE was briefed on the current status of the project and that a financing agreement between AFD and National Treasury has been signed and the university is awaiting the first drawdown of funds and proceed to the groundbreaking. “I am looking forward to the groundbreaking because the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs will be invited to attend”, said Mr. SAINTE-MARIE.
Also top of the agenda was the student exchange programme which is currently ongoing as part of the complex project. There is a cooperation agreement between a consortium of Engineering and Science Universities in Paris called ParisTech, and the University of Nairobi. The Faculty of Science and Technology through the Erasmus+ fundings, has sent one masters student from the Department of Chemistry to France’s Chimie Paristech. Ms Serah Wanjiku, who is doing tremendously well, has been allowed to proceed to her PhD.
On his part, the VC lauded the cooperation and support of the French Government and was looking forward to the groundbreaking ceremony and the attendance of the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Click here to view Ms Serah Wanjiku Chimie ParisTech interview.
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