Mount Kenya University (MKU) has partnered with Rwanda’s Mount Kigali University to facilitate student exchange programmes aimed at deepening cultural and professional understanding between the two countries. The initiative seeks to provide students with exposure to different legal systems, institutions, and professional practices through educational tours and immersive experiences.
Recently, 20 students from MKU-Rwanda’s School of Law participated in a 10-day exchange programme in Kenya. Hosted by their counterparts at MKU, the students engaged in various academic and professional activities designed to enhance their understanding of Kenya’s legal framework. The programme included visits to key institutions such as the National Assembly, Supreme Court, and the Nairobi Industrial Area’s correctional facility. These engagements provided first-hand insights into the country’s legal and judicial systems.
Judy Ngayu, Director at MKU’s Centre for International and Development Law (CIDLaw), emphasized the importance of sustaining the programme. She noted that CIDLaw is working on a framework to ensure that such initiatives become a long-term tradition. The department aims to expand the programme to include research projects, internships, and legal aid opportunities, thereby offering students more practical learning experiences.
“Our goal is to develop more structured collaborations between MKU and MKU-Rwanda, with sustainable funding models that will ensure continuous student participation. We envision a future where this exchange programme shapes the next generation of African legal professionals,” Ngayu stated.
Beyond legal education, the students had opportunities to engage in diplomacy and governance discussions. A visit to the Rwandan Embassy and interactions with legal experts enriched their knowledge of international law. Additionally, the programme balanced academic learning with social activities, including a trip to Mombasa, where students attended a Mental Health & Leadership Talk led by MKU co-founder Dr. Jane Nyutu.
MKU founder and chairman Prof. Simon Gicharu highlighted the significance of such exchanges, stating that exposure to different legal environments broadens students’ worldviews and prepares them for global professional practice. He encouraged continued collaboration and urged students to take full advantage of available academic resources.
The visit concluded in Nakuru, where former LSK Nakuru Branch Chairman Lawrence Karanja delivered a keynote address, offering practical advice to the aspiring legal professionals. This inaugural cohort of MKU-Rwanda’s law students marks the beginning of an enduring collaboration, reinforcing MKU’s commitment to internationalized education.
