The University recently hosted a high-level delegation from the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) for a courtesy call aimed at establishing collaboration under the Co-Designing Kenyan-Danish AI and Robotics for Sustainability and Impact (CO-KENDAI) initiative. The engagement, chaired by Prof. Caroline Thoruwa, DVC (Research, Innovation and Outreach), brought together academic leaders and international partners to explore opportunities for advancing research, innovation and capacity building through emerging technologies.

The University delegation comprised Prof. Waceke Wanjohi, DVC (Academic); Dr. Peter Kamau, Executive Dean, School of Engineering and Architecture; Dr. Tom Ratemo, Deputy Executive Dean, School of Law and Social Sciences; Dr. Ken Iloka, Coordinator of the CeZeri Lab specialising in drone technology; and Eng. Isaac Maina, Chair, Department of Mechanical Engineering. The delegation also included researchers and technical experts supporting the University’s growing agenda in artificial intelligence, robotics and drone technology.

The visiting delegation from the University of Southern Denmark comprised Hon. Yvonne Apiyo of the Swiss Parliament, Prof Kathrin Maurer, Dr. Eva Christensen and Prof. Ulrik Pagh Schultz from the University of Southern Denmark. Their visit reflected a shared commitment to building long-term academic and research partnerships that will foster innovation, knowledge exchange and sustainable development.

At the heart of the discussions was the CO-KENDAI initiative, an ambitious programme designed to establish an equitable higher education partnership between Kenyan and Danish institutions. The initiative seeks to harness artificial intelligence, robotics and drone technologies to address sustainability challenges while strengthening teaching, research, innovation and community engagement. By combining expertise from both institutions, the partnership is expected to create solutions that respond to real-world challenges while enhancing knowledge exchange and institutional growth.

The meeting highlighted the transformative potential of drone technology in environmental conservation, precision agriculture, disaster management, infrastructure monitoring and other sustainable development initiatives. Participants also explored interdisciplinary collaboration by integrating engineering, law, social sciences and the humanities to promote the responsible and ethical adoption of emerging technologies.

Discussions further focused on opportunities for student and staff exchange programmes, joint research projects, curriculum development, internships, innovation hubs and the establishment of drone training and certification programmes. These initiatives are expected to strengthen innovation ecosystems, equip students with practical industry skills and foster entrepreneurship through meaningful collaboration with industry and other stakeholders.

The engagement also underscored the importance of developing sound policy and legal frameworks to support the responsible use of drones and artificial intelligence in Kenya, drawing on international best practices while responding to local priorities and emerging needs.

Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Caroline Thoruwa reaffirmed the University’s commitment to international partnerships that advance research excellence, innovation and sustainable development. She noted that collaborations such as CO-KENDAI create valuable opportunities for students, researchers and the wider community while strengthening the University’s contribution to transformative education, cutting-edge research and sustainable innovation.

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