Four Hungarian Universities Open Joint Representation in Kenya

Led by the University of Pécs (UP), the University of Debrecen, the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the International Business School have opened a joint recruitment office in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. Dr. László Palkovics, Minister of Innovation and Technology, and Dr. Attila Miseta, Rector of the University of Pécs both emphasized the importance of education and research relations in their welcoming speeches at the opening ceremony.

The internationalisation of higher education has been a priority for universities and governments in Hungary for years. In addition to the highly successful Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship programme, the number of foreign students paying tuition fees is also steadily increasing. However, this goes beyond generating revenues: attracting international students also increases the quality and competitiveness of higher education in Hungary, and it also benefits domestic students.

The opening of the advisory office in Kenya is a milestone in student recruitment activities

to support this. The project, supported by a grant from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Export Development Department, will begin operations in an office building in central Nairobi. Caroline Kithama, an alumna of the University of Debrecen, will head the local office and will be able to represent the Hungarian higher education authentically.

The idea for the project came from the Embassy of Hungary in Kenya: "There are considerable opportunities for Hungarian companies and higher education institutions across Africa, with Kenya standing out with its stability and economic development. From the very beginning, we have encouraged Hungarian companies and universities to join forces and enter the market here together. We are delighted that

we have found a common language with the University of Pécs and have succeeded in bringing this promising project to life."

- added Ambassador Dr. Zsolt Mészáros.

For those who follow the activities of the UP Africa Centre, it is not news that

one of Kenya's most influential architects was the Hungarian György Vámos.

His name is associated with some of Nairobi's most important buildings, such as the Kenya Commercial Bank, the headquarters of the United Kenya Club and the Siri Guru Singh Sabha Sikh temple. He also designed the mausoleum of Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya's first president. A plaque in memory of George Vámos was unveiled on 25 June at the TelPosta Towers in Nairobi. The ceremony was addressed by Dr. István Tarrósy, Director of the International Centre, University of Pécs and Head of the UP Africa Centre.