Prof. Hazel Miseda Mumbo, Vice-Chancellor of Great Lakes University of Kisumu, and CUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof. Masoga Mogomme, marking the beginning of a strengthened institutional partnership.

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), through its Centre for Global Engagement (CGE), strengthened its African Footprint by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLU), Kenya, on 27 August 2026 during CUT’s Second International Teaching Week (ITW).

The partnership originated in Belgium following a benchmarking visit by Prof. Hildah Mfengwana to Thomas More University of Applied Sciences. This engagement created an opportunity for institutional collaboration with GLU, laying the foundation for a mutually beneficial relationship between the two universities.

The collaboration will focus on shared areas of interest, including Health Sciences, Information Technology, and Hospitality and Tourism Management. These priority areas align with CUT’s Vision 2030 and its commitment to producing innovative, entrepreneurial, and socially responsive graduates.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, CUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof. Masoga Mogomme, said the partnership extends far beyond a formal agreement. He noted that it creates opportunities for knowledge sharing, innovation, joint research, academic exchange, and capacity building across the Global South.

GLU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hazel Miseda Mumbo, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the importance of moving “from conversation to commitment.” She called for a sustainable partnership that translates into tangible outcomes, including collaborative research, joint publications, innovation initiatives, staff development, and student mobility. She further described the collaboration as a bridge between Kenya and South Africa, as well as between East and Southern Africa.

The partnership highlights CUT’s commitment to meaningful South–South cooperation and stronger African higher education networks.

Seated from left: Prof. Hazel Miseda Mumbo, Vice-Chancellor of Great Lakes University of Kisumu, and CUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof. Masoga Mogomme.

Back row from left: Prof. Hildah Mfengwana, HoD: Health Sciences, Ms Jane Raburu Dean: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dr Careena Otieno, Director: Centre for Research and Innovation, Prof. Muthoni Masinde, Dean: Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, Mr Hlomelang Metsing, Coordinator: International Partnerships and Prof. Ntswaki Malebo, Dean: Faculty of Health Sciences.