Egerton University, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, hosted Guo Haiyan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Kenya.
During the visit, Amb Haiyan awarded scholarships to outstanding students in recognition of the growing educational and research collaboration between China and Kenya.
The Ambassador was warmly received by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac O. Kibwage, at his office.
In his remarks, Prof. Kibwage emphasised the enduring 30-year collaboration between Egerton University and Nanjing Agricultural University, which has fostered academic exchanges, research partnerships and institutional capacity building.
He also highlighted the significant contribution of the China Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to research infrastructure at Egerton, including the establishment of the Molecular Laboratory headed by Prof. Richard Mulwa.
Following the initial meeting, the Ambassador, accompanied by Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat, Principal-Secretary for Research in Kneya (currently on unpaid leave from Egerton University for national government duties), was taken on a tour of the University’s Agro-Science Park.
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The main office building of the science park was built with support from the Chinese Government and serves as a hub for seed innovation and research into climate-resilient crop varieties.
Guests signed the park’s guest book and engaged in discussions about the development of seed varieties capable of withstanding the ever-changing climate.
They also toured the Molecular Laboratory, where they learned that the facility supports scientists county-wide who access its advanced equipment by paying bench fees.
The delegation welcomed the Vice President of Nanjing Agricultural University, who visited Egerton concurrently, with Ambassador Guo taking the lead.
