On 9th October 2025, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi Prof. Margaret Hutchinson officially signed a Collaboration Agreement (CA) establishing a collaborative partnership between the University of Nairobi and Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, Bulgaria. This CA signifies a wide-ranging collaboration between the Department of Public and Global Health, Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Nairobi, and the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University.
This partnership aims to promote institutional exchange, facilitate the mobility of students and staff, create opportunities for professional engagement, and foster joint research and continuing education initiatives.
Professor Marcelline Yovogan, Vice-Dean for Internal Relations and University Partnerships at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Sofia University, travelled to Nairobi to formally receive the signed CA and to discuss the next steps in the collaboration. A meeting was convened at the Department of Public and Global Health, on 10th October 2025, chaired by Dr. Rose Opiyo and attended by academic staff members including Dr. George Agot, Dr. Esther Muia, Dr. Jane Muita, and Mr. Kenneth Owuori, the department administrator. Dr. Opiyo introduced the objectives of the MoU and expressed optimism about the potential for a long-term, fruitful relationship between the two institutions. She highlighted opportunities in joint research, staff and student exchanges, teaching collaboration, and co-supervision of students. In his remarks, Prof. Yovogan emphasized that the University of Nairobi was selected as a strategic partner due to its strong reputation both within Africa and internationally. She introduced Sofia University, located in the Bulgarian capital, and provided an overview of the various faculties, with a focus on the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration.
The discussions explored areas of mutual interest at the intersection of economics, business, and public health, such as microeconomics analysis in health, public financing, artificial intelligence, and innovations. It was agreed that both departments would continue discussions to identify and prioritize specific areas of collaboration. It was also agreed that the Department of Economics and Development Studies from University of Nairobi’s Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences would be invited to join the partnership too.
Following the meeting, participants gathered for a lunch where Professor Daniel Ojuka, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, joined the team and congratulated both departments on initiating the partnership. He pledged his full support to ensure the successful implementation of joint activities.The future of this partnership looks promising, with great potential to achieve shared goals through commitment and collaboration.
Report submitted by: Dr. Rose Opiyo, Chair, Dept. of Public and Global Health, University of Nairobi
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