JKUAT Welcomes JICA Expert to Strengthen Academic-Industry Linkages
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has welcomed Ms. Rei Matsumoto, a Project Coordinator for Academic-Industry Linkages at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), as the two institutions seek to strengthen university–industry partnerships and enhance graduates’ preparedness for the workplace. Ms. Matsumoto, who will be based at JKUAT under the Africa-ai-Japan project office…
Prof. Bernard Ikua welcomed on Ms. Rei Matsumoto (centre) from JICA on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) has welcomed Ms. Rei Matsumoto, a Project Coordinator for Academic-Industry Linkages at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), as the two institutions seek to strengthen university–industry partnerships and enhance graduates’ preparedness for the workplace.
Ms. Matsumoto, who will be based at JKUAT under the Africa-ai-Japan project office for the next two years, was received by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration and Finance, Prof. Bernard Ikua, on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi, on October 2, 2026.
Speaking during the engagement, Ms. Matsumoto said she was impressed by the longstanding relationship between JKUAT and Japan, which has contributed to the University’s growth in technical education, research and capacity development. She noted that the new assignment presents an opportunity to build on this foundation by strengthening linkages between JKUAT and industry.
The initiative comes at a time when universities are increasingly strengthening engagement with industry to support competency-based education and ensure that graduates acquire skills that respond to workplace needs.
Prof. Ikua welcomed the collaboration, noting that stronger industry partnerships are instrumental in supporting the transition towards competency-based education. He said such partnerships provide opportunities for universities to align academic programmes and training with the skills and competencies required by industry.
He cited the College of Engineering and Technology’s engagement through the Washington Accord as an example of the College’s commitment to strengthening industry linkages and ensuring engineering education meets internationally recognised standards.
Prof. Ikua added that JKUAT has been keen on academia–industry partnerships because they are essential for ensuring that research and innovation outputs are translated into solutions that respond to societal needs and address real-world problems.
He explained that JKUAT has established partnerships with various organisations, which provide opportunities for students to gain practical experience through internships. He noted that faculty members have also cultivated strong professional networks with industry, creating additional opportunities for students to secure internships and gain exposure to the workplace.
He said these industry engagements contribute to producing graduates with practical, industry-relevant skills, making JKUAT graduates highly sought after in the job market.
Ms. Matsumoto’s two-year assignment is expected to support the identification and development of opportunities for closer collaboration between JKUAT, industry and other relevant stakeholders, with a focus on strengthening the connection between academic training and the world of work. She was accompanied by Ms. Mai Toda, Team Leader, Africa-ai-Japan Project, JICA.
From Right: Prof. Bernard Ikua, Ms. Rei Matsumoto, and Ms. Mai Toda following a courtesy call at the Vice Chancellor’s office