The President of The Republic of Kenya, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, visited Spelman College on Tuesday to lay the groundwork for creating partnerships between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Kenyan scholars.
“Spelman has already had strong ties and engagement in several African countries. And that’s why we are so happy to be deepening this relationship with Kenya,” says Spelman College president Dr. Helene D. Gayle. “HBCUs, historically black colleges and universities, are beacons of economic and social mobility for people of African descent. One of Spelman’s many pride points is our impact on economic mobility.”
The event extended Spelman’s commitment to fostering community and strengthening engagement with the African diaspora. There is an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. Gayle announced the rollout of a new educational initiative representing the college’s commitment to fostering stronger ties. Plus, the partnership creates impactful opportunities within the African diaspora, particularly Kenya.
Spelman College and Kenya’s President forge STEM education partnership
Silicon Savannah is a term used to describe the tech ecosystem in the East African country, which has positioned itself as a hotbed of innovative breakthroughs. This is a play on San Francisco’s Silicon Valley. It is a crucial signal toward how Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city, has become a global player in helping shape the technology industry’s growth. Ruto and Gayle emphasized how the focus on STEM education investment benefits both the U.S. and Kenya as they hope to empower the youth, increase the workforce and drive economic growth.
Kenya signed a collaborative memorandum of understanding (MOU) with leaders from Spelman College, Microsoft, Mastercard’s Center for Inclusive Growth, Howard University, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) that signaled the framework agreement to enhance student and faculty exchange, joint research and innovation, aiming to bolster capabilities for a digital future.
“By following in the footsteps of the historic end, we shall empower a new generation of disruptive thinkers, ambitious visionaries and innovative problem solvers,” Ruto said. “And thus divine a brighter and knowledge-driven future where progress transcends borders, transforms lives and delivers prosperity.”