University visit at DeKUT in Nyeri
In a round table discussion, the DAAD Regional Office Director, with the management and teaching staff, discussed funding opportunities for university cooperation. DeKUT already has intensive contacts and DAAD-funded partnerships with German universities: in the DePUK project as part of the Entrepreneurial Universities (EpU) program, 26 lecturers received further training, and 180 students were involved in workshops and exchange measures. The university exchanged with the TH Wildau from 2013-2017 in the Bridg-IT program. They carried out an ERASMUS exchange with the University of Siegen and also had a faculty exchange with the TH Cologne. Additionally, the management staff has qualified in the DIES program. There are also long-term partnerships in the IAESTE internship program. So far, 47 DeKUT students have been sponsored. Forty-four IASTE students have visited DeKUT in Nyeri.
DeKUT, which was founded in 2012, sees itself as an applied science facility for technology; Seventy-one percent of the 9000 students are pursuing courses in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Specializations are Agricultural Sciences, ICT, Manufacturing, and Materials Research. A tour of the campus demonstrated application-oriented teaching in labs.
A relatively high number of students and graduates attended the information event. Many showed a great interest in further studies in Germany, in exchanges, and in regional DAAD funding programs. They asked specific questions about the available programs and application procedures.
DeKUT has DAAD scholars registered in the Alumni Chapter, including one Postdoc, five Ph.Ds., and five Master’s graduates.