Strathmore University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with leading Hungarian University – Óbuda towards promoting knowledge sharing, research and innovation in the areas of technology.

In the deal inked on the 25^th of June 2021 at Strathmore University grounds by host Vice Chancellor Designate (VC-D) Dr. Vincent Ogutu and his Óbuda counterpart Professor Habil Levente Kovács, students and members of staff from both institutions will be able to travel and participate in similar exchange programs for purposes of pursuing academic courses, research and training in the areas of technical and scientific sciences.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Ogutu lauded the partnership between the two institutions, terming it as an initiative that would be beneficial to both students and staff towards adapting to the requirements of the modern world.

“This initiative will be very good to both universities. I understand the impact it will have to our students in terms of exposure because I was part of a similar initiative in the past when I went to study in the USA. I look forward to the exchange programs in the areas of technology which is one of the most sought after sectors in the present market globally,” he said.

The Director @iLabAfrica, a Research and Innovation Centre at Strathmore University, Dr. Joseph Sevilla, acknowledged the existence of good ties between Kenya and Hungary as being instrumental towards the creation of good working partnerships between institutions from both countries. @iLabAfrica has previously partnered with Hungarian firm ACPM IT and BCK Kenya in the setting up of a Security Operations Centre (TAISOC) for monitoring Cybersecurity issues affecting businesses.

“We are glad to have good working relationships with the Hungarian government and firms in the country. In the new agreement with Óbuda University, we celebrate the arrangements towards the setting up of a Hungary Kenyan Development Centre which will work towards providing students from both institutions with industry relevant knowledge on software development and application development for all markets,” said Dr. Sevilla.

The visiting dons reiterated the existence of similarities between Kenya and Hungary with both countries committed to technological advancements which will be the drivers of the next industrial revolution.

“We are happy to partner with @iLabAfrica as an academic and development partner towards knowledge sharing and creating a collaborative approach for research that will provide skilled professionals with modern technological solutions for the markets,” said Prof. Levente Kovács.

Others present during the event were the Hungarian Minister for Innovation and Technology, H.E Prof. László Palkovics; Ambassador of Hungary to Kenya, H.E Zsolt Mészáros; Administrative Secretary in the Kenyan Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs, Mrs Lucy Mulili; the Rector-University of Pécs Dr. Attila Miseta and the International Director for Debrecen University, Dr. Attila Jenei.