Főcím

Dr. Csaba Gyuricza, Rector of the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE) received Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi and his delegation at the Szent István Campus in Gödöllő. At the meeting, they discussed the practical implementation possibilities of inter-state strategic agricultural cooperation, the results of ongoing programmes and the technological knowledge that can be transferred to Kenyan rural development programmes. The delegation was introduced to state-of-the-art Hungarian agricultural engineering developments, space-related projects, the University's farms and factories, and the infrastructure of the institution's swimming pool. Minister Mudavadi praised MATE's links with Kenya's leading higher education institutions and expressed his appreciation for the University's sports scholarships, which will see three Kenyan athletes arrive in Kenya by September 2025.

During the bilateral meeting, the parties underlined that the University has a long tradition of good relations with Kenya in the field of academic, research and project-based cooperation, which has been dynamically developing for many years. MATE is coordinating, among others, the Kenya Demonstartion Farm project, which aims to promote Hungarian agricultural technology in the region. The project has identified several promising crop varieties with significant market potential in the region. In the field of inter-university cooperation, the Erasmus+ international mobility programme with Kenyatta University is a key element in enhancing student and faculty mobility. MATE's vibrant Kenyan-Hungarian higher education relations are further strengthened by active cooperation with Dedan Kimathi University, Chuka University and Jomo Kenyatta University. Currently, around 60 Kenyan students are studying at MATE, and in 2025, more than 300 Kenyans have applied to study at the University.

The delegation also visited one of the largest and unique collections of agricultural machinery in Europe, the Museum of Agricultural Tools and Machine Development, which presents the history and development of Hungarian agricultural machinery. They then visited the Institute of Technology to see the latest technological developments, including remote sensing, the use of drones in crop protection and air pollution monitoring, and innovative solutions for crop stress detection.

​​​​​At the Demonstration Farm (Szárítópuszta), the delegation gained an insight into practical agricultural training and the application of sustainable farming methods. At the SZIA Garden, which is also coordinated by Kenyan students, they learned about local organic farming projects. Finally, they visited the Gödöllő Swimming Pool, which contributes to the students' healthy lifestyle and the success of the sports scholarship programmes.

​​​​​​During the visit, Minister Mudavadi stressed the importance of scholarships for Kenyan students in agriculture and climate resilience to increase food security in their home country. He also urged collaboration between the University and the Kenya Seed Company to improve seed quality and production. The Minister expressed appreciation for MATE's network of five campuses and twenty institutes in Hungary and five training sites across the border, which provide Kenyan students with a diverse and wide range of opportunities for international experience.

​​​​​​The visit has further strengthened the educational and research links between Hungary and Kenya, facilitating the implementation of joint projects and programmes in the agricultural sector. The parties are committed to long-term cooperation that will contribute to agricultural development and innovation in both countries.