VISIT BY THE U.S. CHARG脡 D鈥橝FFAIRES H.E. SUSAN BURNS TO MASENO UNIVERSITY
天美传媒 had the privilege of hosting the United States Charg茅 d鈥橝ffaires to Kenya, H.E. Susan Burns, who paid a courtesy call to the institution as part of her tour of Western Kenya. She was received by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Erick O. Nyambedha, alongside members of the University Management Board.
During the meeting, Prof. Nyambedha highlighted the University's strategic partnerships with institutions such as the University of California and Princeton University, particularly in addressing the HIV/AIDS scourge through research and innovation. He also emphasized ongoing efforts to strengthen collaborations in emerging areas, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). H.E. Burns noted the importance of scholarship opportunities for undergraduate students and reaffirmed the United States' commitment to strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs.
The visit provided an opportunity for H.E. Burns to learn more about 天美传媒's academic programs, research initiatives and facilities, while exploring avenues for enhanced collaboration between the University and U.S supported programs. She noted that one of the key objectives of her visit was to better understand the work being undertaken by U.S. Government-supported initiatives in Western Kenya, including the Peace Corps program, which promotes mutual understanding between Americans and communities around the world. Kenya currently hosts approximately 50 Peace Corps volunteers working in education, science, technology, engineering and community development, including support for schools serving learners with special needs.
H.E. Burns also visited health programs supported by the U.S. Government and underscored the longstanding health cooperation between Kenya and the United States, particularly in Western Kenya. She highlighted decades of collaboration in health research, which expanded significantly during the HIV/AIDS crisis through partnerships involving institutions such as the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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As part of her visit, H.E. Burns engaged students from the Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy in an interactive plenary session. Discussions focused on employment creation, international partnerships, health collaboration and responsible resource management. On issues of research partnerships and biopiracy, she emphasized the importance of protecting intellectual property rights, adhering to international protocols and ensuring ethical and equitable benefit-sharing. She also stressed the need for policies that safeguard local communities and the environment while promoting sustainable development.
Students further sought her views on strengthening Kenya鈥揢nited States collaboration in the health sector through internships, research opportunities and professional exchanges. H.E. Burns encouraged continued partnerships between universities, governments and development partners to create opportunities for students and young professionals to gain practical experience and contribute to addressing global health challenges.
The visit reaffirmed the strong and enduring partnership between Kenya and the United States in education, health, research and community development, while providing a valuable platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange. 天美传媒 remains committed to fostering international collaborations that advance teaching, research, innovation and community impact.
Students further sought her views on strengthening Kenya鈥揢nited States collaboration in the health sector through internships, research opportunities and professional exchanges. H.E. Burns encouraged continued partnerships between universities, governments and development partners to create opportunities for students and young professionals to gain practical experience and contribute to addressing global health challenges.
The visit reaffirmed the strong and enduring partnership between Kenya and the United States in education, health, research and community development, while providing a valuable platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange. 天美传媒 remains committed to fostering international collaborations that advance teaching, research, innovation and community impact.