News

Rector Dr. Csaba Gyuricza received H. E. Maurice Makoloot, the new Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya to Hungary, in Gödöllő on the 5th of March. The parties agreed on the importance of jointly tackling global challenges, in particular food security and modern nutrient supply (human, animal and plant). MATE intends to significantly increase its educational and research cooperation with Kenya through its inter-university links.

​​​​​​During the meeting, the Rector Gyuricza informed the esteemed delegation on the vibrant joint work already underway between MATE and Kenya, the status of the Kenya model farm project coordinated by the University, and the progress of our inter-university cooperation. He also pointed out that there are currently around 60 Kenyan students studying at various MATE institutions, and expressed his confidence that, as a result of our active recruitment activities, 312 students from the East African country have so far applied for our university courses in 2025.

Ambassador Makoloo expressed his gratitude for the opportunities provided to Kenyan students and assured his partner of his commitment to boost future bilateral cooperation. He underlined that the Government of Kenya has a strategic objective of transforming the national economy, digitalisation and related agricultural technological development. The parties agreed to continue their activities in line with these strategic objectives.

During his visit of the Szent István Campus, Ambassador Makoloo Maurice also met Kenyan students studying at MATE. During the meeting they discussed the students' experiences, challenges and possible support mechanisms to improve the students' learning pathways. The presentation made by the students covered the experiences of Kenyan students participating in various scholarship programmes such as Stipendium Hungaricum, Danube Agrifood, Christian Scholarship and FAO programmes.

Dávid Békési, Director-General for International Relations and Development, presented the relevant internationalisation objectives of MATE, which will open up many new opportunities for students' professional development and leisure and sporting activities. He also highlighted the scholarship opportunities for athletes, which was met with great interest by embassy staff. The Ambassador concluded by reiterating the importance of knowledge transfer, especially in sectors related to agriculture, underlining that students are a valuable contribution to Kenya's future. He also assured the students that the questions they raised would be considered by the relevant Kenyan government officials.