In May 2026, Murang’a University of Technology (MUT) became a cultural melting pot for students from MUT and United States. Eight Utah State University (USU) students together with their counterparts from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) exchanged ideas, formed friendships and established cultural connections during an exchange programme.
This was the first student exchange programme to be hosted by SHSS. The students participated in a training that combined lectures with community engagement, cultural experiences and team building.
Key activities included:
- Community engagement in Korogocho: Students visited the Miss Koch Kenya Initiative and Keep on Creating Hope Organisation, engaging with community leaders on child protection and crisis communication.
- Visit to Koch FM: Students toured the community radio station, learning about its child protection initiatives and exploring opportunities for collaborative media content.
- Child protection advocacy at Daystar University: Students interacted with professionals from the African Institute for Children Studies on child protection advocacy and crisis intervention.
- Engagement with the DCI Child Protection Unit: Students learned about institutional approaches to child protection, including cross-border collaboration in combating child trafficking.
- US Embassy Bomb Blast Memorial Site: The visit prompted reflection on the long-term impact of crises and the role of communication in countering misinformation and supporting recovery.
- Cultural and recreational experiences: Students explored Agikuyu culture at Mukurwe wa Nyagathanga and participated in team-building activities at Thika Falls, Jangwani Camp in Sagana and Nairobi National Park.
The programme was jointly designed by Prof. Aggrey Willis Otieno and Dr. John Ndavula. They both facilitated the lectures and workshops.
During a courtesy call by the USU delegation, MUT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dickson Nyariki, highlighted the importance of international academic exchanges in promoting global understanding and critical thinking.
This encounter revealed a simple truth: the most important lessons for students happen far beyond the lecture room.
