Kenya will start exporting students and professors to Iran to study at the National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB).
This was revealed in a report published by the Tehran Times quoting the Kenyan ambassador to Iran Joshua Igweta Gatimo.
Ambassador Gatimo stated that this was part of a push to develop scientific ties with Iran which will help Kenyan students benefit from the experiences of Iranian researchers
“Iran’s progress and self-sufficiency in biotechnology and genetic fields are astonishing,” Gatimo stated.
Apart from sending students to Tehran, Kenya is also seeking to cooperate with Iran in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases.
The scope of the engagement was revealed during a meeting between between Gatimo and NIGEB Director General Javad Mohammadi.
Mohammadi agreed on Gatimo’s request noting that it was part of Iran’s foreign policy with African nations.
He noted that Iran sought to boost international cooperation in the field of scientific diplomacy and as such, was delighted to welcome such interaction and collaboration with Kenya and other countries.
Mohammadi added that Iran and Kenya will be working closely to launch joint projects in biotechnology and genetic engineering.
Kenya enjoys warm ties with Iran which were signified by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's visit to Kenya in July 2023.
During the meeting held at State House, Nairobi, President William Ruto and his Iranian counterpart signed five memorandum of understanding (MoUs) to boost cooperation between the two countries.
The MoUs were in the Information, Communication and Technology, Fisheries, Animal Health and Livestock Production and Promotion of Investments sectors.
