From 21st September to 30th October 2024, a delegation from Kenyatta University (KU), led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Waceke Wanjohi, conducted a strategic visit to Greece under the Erasmus+ programme. The visit aimed to expand KU’s academic partnerships, enhance research collaboration, and promote student and staff mobility. Hosted by the University of Piraeus (UNIPI) for the 6th International Staff Week, the delegation included Dr. Esther Munyiri, Director of the GTRCMC-EA, and Dr. Kennedy Monari of the Chandaria Innovation and Incubation Centre.
Throughout the week, the KU team participated in discussions with seven institutions, including the University of West Attica, Harokopio University, National
Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Agricultural University of Athens, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, and the Youth Makers Hub. These discussions focused on strengthening MoUs, exploring joint research opportunities, and creating new internship pathways. Each institution brought unique strengths, from NTUA’s engineering focus to the Agricultural University of Athens’ expertise in sustainable agriculture.
The delegation also assessed the experiences of KU students currently interning and studying in Greece, reinforcing the positive impact of these programmes on student development. Additionally, discussions about future student placements and academic exchanges promise to broaden KU’s international scope.
Cultural engagement included visits to the Acropolis Museum, National Archaeological Museum, and historic Greek islands, enriching the delegation’s cultural
understanding and supporting deeper ties. The visit laid strong foundations for sustainable partnerships that will benefit KU’s research, teaching, and student development, reinforcing KU’s role as a leading institution in global academic collaboration.
The VC delegation with other participants at the 6th International Staff Week at the University of Piraeus
Testimonial by Byron George Otieno, Bachelor of Library and Information Science, 3rd Year
Stay in Greece: September to December 2024
My journey to Greece as part of the Erasmus+ KA171 exchange programme with the University of Piraeus has been transformative, both academically and culturally. Arriving in Greece in early September 2024, I was warmly welcomed by the International Relations team at the University of Piraeus. Working under Dr. Christina Kontogoulido and her exceptional team has been both inspiring and insightful. Engaging in tasks within my field of informatics, I contributed to project proposals and international collaborations, including the ERASMUS-EDU-2024-CBHE-STRAND-1 initiative, aimed at modernizing higher education institutions in Cambodia and Vietnam.
The cultural exposure in Greece has been equally enlightening. From exploring ancient Greek mythology and iconic islands like Hydra and Poros, to tasting local delicacies such as “Souvlaki,” every experience has enriched my understanding of Greece’s rich heritage. The country’s dedication to inclusivity, especially in tourism, left a strong impression on me, with provisions for people with disabilities being a common sight.
As I continue this four-month journey, I look forward to deepening my knowledge, expanding my skills, and contributing to the collaboration between Kenyatta University and the University of Piraeus. This exchange has been an invaluable opportunity to bridge cultures, share knowledge, and build lifelong connections.
For more about my experience in Greece, please visit my photo and video gallery here.
Byron George Otieno in Greece
Testimonial by Faith Wangari Muriithi, Bachelor of Education (Arts): English and Literature, 4th Year
University of Piraeus Placement Programme – September to December 2024
As a 23-year-old Kenyan student from Kenyatta University, my experience in Greece has been a journey of cultural immersion, personal growth, and academic challenge. Being in a new country has offered me a unique opportunity for self-reflection and development, particularly as I navigate the language barrier and adjust to Greek culture.
At the University of Piraeus, my project focuses on fostering international relations between Kenyan and Greek universities to create reciprocal internship opportunities. This work has pushed me beyond my comfort zone, requiring research on both local and international internship programmes and providing invaluable learning through continuous feedback from supervisors.
The Greek culture has been wonderful to experience, from friendly “Yassou” greetings to delicious foods like “Souvlaki” and “Pita.” Adjusting to the higher cost of living has been a challenge, but it’s taught me essential budgeting skills. Overall, this placement has enriched my academic and personal life, and I look forward to what lies ahead.
For a glimpse of my experience, view my photo gallery here.
Faith Muriithi, A KU student with other international students in Greece
Testimonial: Erasmus+ Mobility Programme Experience
Student Name: Juliet Mesa, PhD in Tourism Management
PhD Topic: Crisis Management Strategies in Building the Resilience of Tourism Organizations during Crisis in Nairobi City County, Kenya
Home University: Kenyatta University, School of Economics, Business and Tourism, Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management
Host University: University of West Attica, School of Administrative, Economics, and Social Sciences, Department of Tourism Management
Type of Mobility: Student Mobility for Dissertation
Participating in the Erasmus+ Mobility Programme at the University of West Attica has been an enriching experience, providing invaluable academic and personal growth. This opportunity has allowed me to delve into a new culture, gain insights into Greek perspectives on crisis management, and access resources beneficial to my PhD research on resilience-building strategies for tourism organizations.
Upon arrival in Greece, I received a warm welcome and attended a comprehensive orientation, which highlighted the academic and support services available for international students. Meeting with my academic supervisor further enhanced my experience, as their guidance and support have been pivotal in aligning my research with new methodologies and insights gathered here.
Exploring Greece has been equally rewarding. Visits to the Piraeus Port offered me a close view of one of the Mediterranean’s busiest commercial hubs, expanding my understanding of Greece’s significant role in regional tourism. The Acropolis Museum was another highlight, where I marveled at the architectural elegance and learned about the country’s ancient heritage.
This programme has truly been transformative, broadening my perspective on tourism management and equipping me with the tools and networks needed to support resilience in tourism organizations back in Kenya. The Erasmus+ experience has not only advanced my academic journey but also deepened my appreciation for global collaboration in tourism and crisis management. I am grateful to both Kenyatta University and the University of West Attica for this invaluable opportunity.
Juliet Mesa a PhD student, Tourism Management, from October 2024 to January 2025, who is in Greece, University of West Attica, School of Administrative, Economics, and Social Sciences, Department of Tourism Management