|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The President of the Republic of Slovenia Dr. Nataša Pirc Musar, has today inaugurated a climate change adaptation unit at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, named Conduit@Empathy.
The facility incorporates satellite and digital technologies for the environmentally friendly management of water, environment, and climate actions. The Climate Hub is a joint initiative between JHUB Africa, an innovation and technology hub based at JKUAT, and Slovenia’s SPACE-SI, Centre of Excellence for Space Sciences and Technologies.
While addressing dignitaries, staff, and students at JKUAT, President Musar remarked that climate change has become a significant existential threat for humanity, with countries such as Slovenia experiencing severe climate-induced disasters. She strongly advocated for enhanced climate action, particularly initiatives aimed at supporting developing countries in coping with climate challenges.
The Slovenian President urged young people to actively apply their knowledge and experience to foster innovation, contributing to the change they aspire to see. She also noted that Slovenia is among the few countries in the world that recognise climate change as a human rights issue.
Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Higher Education and Research in the Ministry of Education, stated that the inauguration of Conduit@Empathy represents a collective commitment to making data accessible, integrating science with human meaning, and connecting technological tools with social purpose. Dr. Inyangala, who represented the Education Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba, at the event, added that Kenya is open to innovation and partnerships that enhance digital capabilities while uplifting communities.
JKUAT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, highlighted that the world currently faces numerous complex and interwoven challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and increasing inequalities. As a solutions-oriented university, Prof. Ngumi noted that JKUAT, through JHUB-Africa, is advancing Kenya’s role in data-driven climate resilience and environmental stewardship.
Describing the Slovenia-Kenya partnership as a shining example of 21st-century people-to-people diplomacy, Prof. Ngumi announced that JKUAT will host community training, conduct national seminars, support county-level integration, and co-create ecosystem services in collaboration with various agencies.
The event was also attended by several distinguished guests, including Dr. Deborah Barasa, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry; Henriette Geiger, European Union envoy to Kenya; Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi; Kiambu Women Representative Anne Wamuratha; Stephen Jackson, UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya; Lauren Landis, WFP Country Director; and JKUAT Council members.
