Italia and Kenya sign memorandum of understanding on university and research

The memorandum of understanding strengthening scientific cooperation between Italia and Kenya has been signed. The agreement, signed by University and Research Minister Anna Maria Bernini and Kenyan President William Ruto, provides for collaboration in the fields of higher education, scientific research and innovation, within the framework of the Mattei Plan for Africa. "This mission gives continuity to the Mattei Plan, which is not an abstract vision but a concrete strategy that Italia is implementing on the ground," Bernini said. "With Kenya, as with Africa, we are building," he added, "a structured and long-term partnership, based on knowledge, innovation and common growth, in the conviction that universities, research and skills are key drivers of equitable and lasting development.

The mission anticipates Kenya's participation in the Addis Ababa Italia-Africa summit and celebrates the beginning of the 50th anniversary of Kenya-EU relations. Bernini also signed in Nairobi, in the presence of President Ruto, a memorandum of understanding with the Minister of Education of the Republic of Kenya, Julius Migos Ogamba, to consolidate and expand bilateral cooperation on universities, training and research. The agreement envisages joint actions for the mobility of students, lecturers and researchers, the development of joint research projects and the strengthening of scientific infrastructure, particularly in strategic sectors such as space, artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, climate and renewable energy, health, agri-tech and water management.

During the mission, the Nairobi AI Forum 2026, organised by the Government of Kenya and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and University and Research, the Italian Embassy in Kenya and the United Nations Development Programme-Undp, kicked off. In Malindi, moreover. Bernini visited the Italian space base 'Luigi Broglio' and inaugurated the maternity ward of the Sub-County Hospital, built thanks to the contribution of the Italian Cooperation. In Nairobi, Bernini also inaugurated the Med-Or Italian Foundation for Africa office in Nairobi, the first foreign office of the Foundation chaired by Marco Minniti, and took part in the inauguration of the Italia-Africa Roadshow on higher education, research and innovation, promoted by Mur and the Med-Or Foundation, in collaboration with Strathmore University and the Italian Embassy.