Prof. Isaac Mbeche, DVC, Student Affairs together with Dr. Gladys Kianji receive the donation from Mr. Chen Jianmin.

Plans are underway for the establishment of a Centre for Seismological Training and Research in East Africa, to be based at the College of Biological and Physical Sciences and supported by the Chinese Earthquake Administration.

This was revealed during a courtesy call by a delegation from the Chinese Earthquake Administration on the Vice chancellor, represented by Prof Isaac Mbeche, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs, yesterday. During the courtesy call, a memorandum of understanding was signed and equipment, books and USD  10,000 donated  to the department of geology.

According to Prof Barongo, of the Eastern African working group, the centre will have a powerful laboratory equipped with hard ware and other tools including a broad band seismic unit. The centre will human be the base for expanding the four seismic stations running in Kenya and will also serve to train international and local postgraduate students in order to increase the human  resource base in earthquake mitigation technology and research.

During the courtesy call, it was revealed that exchange of staff and joint research to enhance knowledge and research uptake will be critical. The leader of the Chinese delegation, Mr. Chen Jianmin, noted that the development of a comprehensive proposal will be critical for broadening the area of research, training and student sponsorship under the present MOU. Further he noted that the Chinese Earth quake Administration attaches great interest to links with the department of geology in order to share expertise, professionalism and common experiences and solutions to problems. This link will also create greater understanding between the peoples of both countries and broaden and deepen cooperation in other fields. The University on its part will adhere to the commitments outlined in the MOU and their implementation.

Those present during the courtesy call included Prof Aduda, Principal CBPS, Dr Gladys Kianji of the East and South African Seismological Working Group, Deputy Director CIPL, Prof S Mcligeyo and other academic staff from CBPS.