The Technical University of Kenya (TU-K) recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Lycée Professionnel Christian Antou (LPH) and the Lycée D’enseignement Général et Technologique Évariste De Parny (LEP). The two institutions will work together on academic and vocational issues with the aim of strengthening links in the fields of tourism and hospitality, as well as in languages such as French, German and English.
The MoU is motivated by the desire to develop and maintain linguistic, cultural, academic and expert exchanges between educational establishments.
The French delegation included Marjorie Coste, advisor to the director of the local education authority in La Réunion; Lionel Mezoul, career development advisor, Région Académique de La Réunion; Nathalie Arnaud, teacher at the Lycée Professionnel Christian Antou; and Mustapha El Idrissi, instructor at the Lycée D’enseignement Général et Technologique Évariste De Parny.
Mr Bernard Clouteau, Attaché for Education and French at the French Embassy in Kenya and Somalia, was present and signed the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the Embassy.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Benedict Mutua, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Institutional and Enterprise Development (IAE), Professor Paul Wambua, signed the MoU on behalf of the University.
The other members present were: Director of the School of Hospitality and Human Ecology Prof. Richard Makopondo; Academic Team Leader, Hospitality and Leisure Studies, Prof. Boniface Kihima; Dr Japheth Kwenga, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Hospitality and Leisure Studies; and the Academic Team Leader, Modern and Classical Languages, Dr Teresa Otieno, who is the coordinator of this collaboration at TU-K.
The Lycée Professionnel Hôtelier La Renaissance is a vocational training establishment committed to providing cutting-edge technical and vocational education in the hotel and catering sector, preparing future qualified professionals from the Certificat d’Aptitude Professionnelle (CAP) to the Brevet Technique Supérieur (BTS).
TU-K’s working relationship with France dates back to 2016, when the university was represented at the inaugural Kenya Day, held in Paris, France. The event brought together directors of international relations and links from various French universities, research centres and TVET institutions.
The university participated in the second Kenya Day event held in Paris, France, where it held discussions with French education leaders and representatives from nine universities.
Presentations were made on topical issues relating to the long-standing diplomatic relationship between Kenya and France, principally the following focusing on technical and higher education partnerships.
TU-K works closely with the French Embassy in Nairobi and has welcomed mission leaders on several occasions, including Dr Mathieu GUERIN, Attaché de Coopération Scientifique et Universitaire, the former Head of the Department of Cooperation and Cultural Affairs, Mr Cyril GERARDON, and the current Head of the Department of Cooperation and Cultural Affairs, Mr Denis SAINT-MARIE.
The meeting ended with a tour of the facilities at the École d’Hôtellerie et d’Ecologie Humain.
