Tokyo, Japan –March 21, 2025

Redefining Kenya-Japan Academic Collaboration through Diaspora Leadership

Hesborn Ondiba, Assistant Professor at the Institute of Arts and Science, Tokyo University of Science, is leading a transformative effort to redefine academic cooperation between Kenya and Japan. Together with Dr. Laban Kithinji Kinyua of Sophia University, he recently co-organized the Japan-Kenya Co-Create Symposium—an initiative aimed at introducing Kenyan students to Japan’s world-class academic and technological environment.

The symposium, held in Tokyo, specifically engaged students from Strathmore University majoring in Finance Engineering and Financial Economics. It opened doors for them to explore graduate study opportunities in Japan while connecting with renowned faculty from Tokyo University of Science, Sophia University, Waseda University, and the University of Tokyo.

Students also interacted with prominent Kenyan scholars and professionals living in Japan, gaining practical insights into how Japanese expertise can be adapted to drive development and solve real-world challenges in Kenya.

Empowering Knowledge Transfer through Diaspora-Led Collaboration

Speaking at the event, Mr. Geoffrey Owuor, President of the Kenyans in Japan Association (KIJA), emphasized the association’s active role in supporting Kenyan students in Japan. He highlighted KIJA’s broader mission of fostering knowledge exchange and innovation through diaspora engagement—an approach that resonates strongly with the Kenya Diaspora Policy 2024.

“This symposium is a clear demonstration of how the Kenyan diaspora can catalyze meaningful partnerships that benefit both nations,” said Mr. Owuor.

Strengthening Academic and Cultural Ties Between Kenya and Japan

The event was graced by H.E. Ambassador Moi Lemoshira, Kenya’s Ambassador to Japan, who reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to deepening Kenya-Japan relations, particularly in education and cultural exchange.

Professor Ondiba and Dr. Kinyua’s efforts are helping to lay the groundwork for long-term academic partnerships that will equip Kenyan students with globally relevant knowledge and skills, while reinforcing ties between Kenyan and Japanese institutions.