The 41st World Conference of the International Association of Science Parks (IASP) was held in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 24 to 27. A delegation from Obuda University, led by Rector Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács, participated in this prestigious professional event, where it was announced that the Industries of the Future Technology and Innovation Park Zsámbék has become a member of the organization. The certificate and plaque were received by the university’s rector and Csaba Sebestyén, the park’s managing director, during the closing ceremony of the world congress held in Nairobi.
Within the framework of Obuda University’s science and innovation park project, three developments are being realized at three locations: Zsámbék, Kaposvár, and Székesfehérvár, as Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács emphasized. He also noted that the International Association of Science Parks’s annual world congress provides a valuable opportunity for expanding professional networks, as well as for learning and discussing best practices and experiences.
The central theme of this year’s summit in Nairobi revolved around demographic issues: some regions face challenges related to overpopulation, while others are struggling with aging populations. The solution needs to balance these situations in a way that benefits the global economy, the rector pointed out.
The leadership of Obuda University, along with representatives of the Science Park projects, also held discussions with Dr. Bimal Kantaria, the head of Elgon Kenya LTD, one of Kenya’s most prominent agricultural companies, which was founded in 1898 and remains family-owned. The corporation is not only a key player in Kenya but also one of East Africa’s largest enterprises, prioritizing the use of cutting-edge and up-to-date technologies. As an investor university, Obuda University places great importance on establishing and expanding its international partnerships.
In addition to the rector, the delegation from Obuda University included Botond Fehér, Director-General for Economic and Financial Affairs , Anikó Szakál, Director of Science, Noémi Kallós, and Prof. Dr. György Györök, Dean of the Alba Regia Faculty, as well as Prof. Dr. Zoltán Rajnai, Dean of the Bánki Faculty, who are leading the science park projects in Székesfehérvár and Kaposvár. The science and innovation parks were also represented by Lóránt Lehrner (Székesfehérvár TIP), Tímea Kovács (Székesfehérvár TIP), Csaba Sebestyén (Zsámbék TIP), Antal Németh (Kaposvár TIP), and Dr. Csaba Enghy, Managing Director of Science Pillar Nonprofit Ltd.
Meetings with Kenyan University and Business Leaders
During their Kenyan program, the leadership of Obuda University met with several local higher education leaders. At the meeting with Dr. Vincent Ogutu, rector of Strathmore University, Zsolt Mészáros, Hungary’s ambassador to Kenya, was also present. It was noted that Kenya is one of the largest economies in East and Central Africa, and its capital Nairobi, with a population of 2.5 million, is a significant regional commercial hub. In this tropical country, education is becoming increasingly important, and universities, including Strathmore University, are open to collaboration in both educational and research fields.
Discussions with Prof. M. Jesang Hutchinson, rector of the University of Nairobi—ranked among the top 10 universities in Africa—focused on establishing a partnership in innovation management. The goal of the meeting was to prepare an agreement between the two universities.
Obuda University has had a good relationship for several years with Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT), located in Nyeri, a town in central Kenya. DeKUT’s coffee farm is a leading research center for coffee production and testing in Kenya. Rector Prof. Eng. Peter Ng’ang’a Muchiri and Obuda University are preparing for further collaboration in innovation management, technology transfer, and investments, based on a previously signed memorandum of understanding.
As an investor university, Obuda University is committed to expanding its international partnerships, emphasized Prof. Dr. Levente Kovács, reflecting on the meeting with Dr. Bimal Kantaria of Elgon Kenya LTD. The corporation is one of East Africa’s most significant enterprises, where they prioritize the application of appropriate and cutting-edge technologies.
Successful Recruitment Efforts
Last March, Obuda University opened a student recruitment office in Nairobi. The office, successfully led by Elizabeth Wangoi, has reported that Obuda University had a great success at the QS Global Education Fair in Nairobi, where they presented the university’s academic portfolio and introduced the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program, which offers significant support to Kenyan students wishing to study at the institution.
