The Hainan University Vice-President, Qiu Xiguang, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Eldoret, Prof. Thomas Cheruiyot signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Student Exchange Agreement between the 2 institutions.
Prof. Thomas Cheruiyot welcomed the new partnership noting that this was the first collaboration signed between the University and a Chinese University.
Vice-President Qiu Xiguang said the purpose of the MoU was to explore and establish the exchange of students and collaboration in 3 areas of action namely;
- Training and sharing resources for students from the 2 universities,
- Promote innovation in Applied Science,
- Exchange of cultural programs through joint workshops and ethnic cultural exchange.
The key research areas include;
- Agriculture,
- Ecology and Ecological Civilization,
- The Arts,
- Material Science,
- Information Technology,
- Culture and Tourism,
- Poverty Reduction and Food Security in the Tropical Region,
- Climate Change & Climate Action (Clean Energy)
The MoU signing was witnessed by the delegation from Hainan University who included Prof. Xu Jianchu (World Agroforestry Center - ICRAF), Deng Yida (Director, Institute of Science and Technology Development - HU), Miao Weiguo (Dean, School of tropical Agriculture and Forestry - HU), Prof. Ruan Yunze (School of Breeding and Multiplication - HU) and Cui Yonfu (Coordinator, International Students Office, School of International Education - HU).
The UoE team included Prof. Philip Raburu (DVC-PRE), prof. Godfrey Netondo (DVC-ASA), Prof. Victor Kimeli (Ag. DVC-AF), Mr. Stephen Anditi (Senior Legal Officer), Prof. Donald Otieno (Dean, Sch. Of Science), Dr. Mark Kiptui (Dean, Sch of Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management), Eng. Dr. Clement Kiptum (Dean, School of Engineering), Prof. Julius Ochuodho (Ag. Dir. ReMSI), Prof. Miriam Kinyua (Ag. Dir. Seed, Research and Multiplication), Dr. Frank Masese (Dir. ILPC), Prof. Lizzy Mwamburi (Dir, R&I), Ms. Cynthia Chebii (Asst. Registrar - CAM) and Dr. Edwine Yongo (Lecturer and alumni of Hainan University).