University of Nairobi Deepens Global Engagement through Shimizu Corporation Partnership

The University of Nairobi continues to strengthen its global outlook following a high-level courtesy call by representatives from Shimizu Corporation, held with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic Affairs, Prof. Ayub Gitau.

The meeting, held at the University of Nairobi on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, brought together a diverse group from across the institution, including leadership from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Built Environment and Design and the Faculty of Engineering. Students were also present, underscoring the University’s commitment to inclusive, forward-looking partnerships that directly benefit learners.

At the centre of the discussions was a shared ambition of opening up meaningful global pathways for Kenyan students. Shimizu Corporation, a global leader in civil engineering and infrastructure development with a heritage dating back to 1804, highlighted its work across continents and its focus on building long-term partnerships that extend beyond project completion and invest in people.

A key part of this is its Human Resource Development Programme in Kenya, which focuses on equipping young engineers with both technical expertise and global experience. One of the standout proposals is the Shimizu Academy, a programme envisioned as the first Labour Connectivity Institution of its kind in Africa. It begins with intensive Japanese language training in Kenya, followed by practical, hands-on training in Japan. Through this model, students are prepared to work in international environments while contributing to projects both locally and globally.

For the University of Nairobi, this aligns closely with its broader vision. Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Gitau welcomed the initiative as a timely opportunity, noting; “The envisioned establishment of the Shimizu Academy is both timely and transformative. It aligns strongly with our institutional mandate to produce globally competitive graduates and to strengthen industry–academia linkages.”

The partnership also comes at a critical moment as universities prepare for the rollout of Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), which places greater emphasis on practical skills and industry relevance. In this context, language skills are becoming increasingly important. Building on its existing strengths in French, Spanish, Portuguese and Chinese, the University is now exploring the introduction of Japanese language programmes to support student mobility and engagement.

Beyond the classroom, the benefits of the partnership are far-reaching. Students stand to gain international exposure, practical training and access to career pathways that extend beyond Kenya. At the same time, the collaboration strengthens institutional capacity, supports knowledge exchange and contributes to Kenya’s growing role in global labour mobility.

The proposed collaboration, to be formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), is expected to deepen engagement across faculties particularly in Engineering, Built Environment and Design as well as the humanities, creating more integrated and practical learning pathways.

During the visit, Shimizu representatives also engaged directly with key academic units, helping to ground the proposed programmes in both academic priorities and industry realities.

As the meeting drew to a close, Prof. Gitau reaffirmed the University’s commitment to the collaboration, “We reaffirm our strong commitment to this collaboration and to building a lasting partnership that will benefit our institutions, our students and the broader Kenya–Japan relations.”

This engagement reflects the University of Nairobi’s continued focus on strengthening global partnerships and deepening industry linkages. By bringing together academic excellence and hands-on, industry-driven training, the University is steadily positioning its graduates to thrive in an increasingly connected and competitive world.