Trent in Africa: Kenya Visit Highlights Partnerships with Other Institutions, Government Meetings and Trent Alumni
Trent International wraps up international tour in Kenya
Trent University wrapped up the final leg of a Trent in Africa initiative with a series of meetings and events in Nairobi, Kenya. The meetings focused on government relations, future partnerships with Kenyan institutions, and conversations with Trent alumni in Kenya.
Trent President Leo Groarke and the Trent delegation met with key government leaders in Kenya, including: Senator Beth Mugo, member, Parliamentary Service Commission; Senator Margaret Kamar, Uasin Guchu County, and vice-chairperson Senate Education Committee; and the Honourable Sabina Chege, women representative Murang’a County, and former chairperson National Assembly Education Committee. Discussions focused on Kenya’s educational and economic priorities and the ways in which they fit with current programs and initiatives at Trent.
The delegation had further discussions about priorities in Kenya and their relationship to Canada at a meeting with the Canadian High Commission. Lisa Stadelbauer, high commissioner-designate to Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, and David Mwagiru, trade commissioner, participated in the meeting.
“Trent has been warmly welcomed in Kenya,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “Our meetings have provided further insight into how Trent can expand its activities in Africa in ways that are good for Africa and good for Trent. The government of Kenya and Kenyan institutions, both public and private, are eager to create meaningful international connections.”
Departing from Nairobi January 16, University officials communicated their sympathies to those affected by the violent attacks there. “We were devastated to hear of these events which were, of course, so antithetical to the Trent team’s overwhelmingly positive experiences in Kenya’s capital. Such incidents further emphasize the importance of education and internationalization,” said President Groarke.
Institutionally, a number of universities welcomed Trent in Nairobi. They include Strathmore University, Jomo Kenyatta University, the United States International University (USIU), and the College of Arts and Sciences and the Wangari Maathi Centre for Peace & Environmental Studies at the University of Nairobi. All the institutions showed an interest in hosting Trent students seeking an international experience.
A number of Trent associates have supported the trip. They include the former Trent International director, Karanja Njoroge, and Professor Paul Zeleza, a former principal of Lady Eaton College and professor of History who currently serves as vice chancellor at USIU. Ngina Kibathi from the President’s Office, a Trent alum, organized the Trent schedule, which included an alumni event featuring Samuel Mwaura, who came to Trent to study Economics in 1965 in its second year of operation.
“Trent’s Kenyan alumni have taken their Trent experience and returned home to make a real difference in the country – economically, politically and environmentally,” said Marilyn Burns, associate vice-president, Communications and Recruitment. “We met a number of alumni who are accomplished professionals whose work supports our growing international reputation.”
While in Kenya, Trent International met with Emmanuel Kung’u, country manager of Explore Careers Limited, and UNISERV, who represent the University internationally; participated in a radio interview on East FM in Nairobi; met with new agents; and hosted an event for prospective students and applicants.
“We have we been impressed by the students we have met here in Nairobi, who are eager to earn a high quality degree at the same time that they explore and learn from a new country,” said Glennice Burns, associate vice-president International.
The stop in Nairobi, Kenya marked the final destination in a three-country excursion advancing Trent University’s interests in Africa.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
For more information, please contact:
Kate Gennings, Communications and Media Relations Officer, Trent University, 705-748-1011 ext. 6180 or kategennings@trentu.ca