Strengthening Global Ties: UoN Hosts Technical University of Leoben for Strategic Talks

As part of its ongoing efforts to forge new international partnerships, the University of Nairobi hosted a high-level dialogue with delegates from the Technical University of Leoben, Austria, focusing on engineering and technology on Monday, August 4, 2025. The meeting explored potential collaborations in joint research, student exchange programs, and postgraduate studies, with the goal of establishing a long-term partnership.

Representatives from UoN included Prof. Siphila Mumenya, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Dr. John Obiero; Eng. Dr. Kenneth Njoroge; Eng. Damaris Oyaro; Eng. Evans Goro; and Prof. Munya Kiruki and Mr. John Orindi, Director of Corporate Affairs and International Relations.

The Austrian delegation from the Technical University of Leoben, which specializes in mining, metallurgy, and materials science, included Strategic Partnership Manager Clemens Weihs, Department Head & Chair of Reservoir Engineering, Dr. Holger Ott, International Project Manager Reza Goldansaz, and Asia/Africa Project Manager Viruschka Tewary. The Technical University of Leoben hosts over 1,000 international students annually and is focused on international cooperation

Battery technology was highlighted as a key area of interest, especially given Kenya’s energy transition and industrial growth. The dialogue also covered ideas for joint research projects, student and staff mobility, and the co-supervision of postgraduate students.

Both universities expressed a strong motivation to build a mutually beneficial relationship and advance shared academic goals. The term “global village” was used during the conversation to emphasize the importance of mutual cooperation in technology and engineering. Both institutions also highlighted the value of partnerships grounded in shared knowledge and innovation to address global challenges.