The three agreements will help in infrastructure development as this will enable the University of Nairobi to build a modern Science and Engineering Complex, the second agreement will help in capacity building in the areas of agriculture and energy.

Speaking during the event, Beatrice Inyagala, Principal Secretary, the State Department for Higher Education and Research noted that “Education is the most powerful tool that can change the world. Education is the engine of changing nations, and with these agreements we will help deliver that dream,” she said.  She added that the events align with Kenya’s strategic plan of internationalization of education, opening our country to the whole world.  “We are preparing our students for a fast paced world. We are ready to deliver the best of our country to the world, “ she said.

Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, noted that as a country, we are moving fast and we need to build a critical mass, hence the need for partnerships. “We are here to see areas of focus that can help us leapfrog,” he said.  

Éléonore Caroit, France's Minister Delegate for Francophonie, International Partnerships, and French Nationals Abroad applauded the signing of the MoU which will improve food security and energy usage in the country. “Tomorrows engineers will be trained here to solve energy issues”, she said. 

On her part, Vice Chancellor, Margaret Hutchingson lauded the University of Nairobi for producing the manpower running the Presidency, Parliament, Judiciary and County Governments. “There is a footprint of University of Nairobi in every part of the continent”, she said.  She added that African problems require African solutions. “We have clusters or centers of excellence across the African continent, innovation and commercialization. Today we are building on that moment. Issues around energy, agriculture and food systems,” she said.