UoN to Re-establish Korean Language Section
The Korean Ambassador, Amb. Kang Hyung-shik, paid a courtesy call on the UoN Vice-Chancellor on Friday, 27th March, 2026, and among the areas of collaboration that the two parties committed to was the re-establishment of the Korean Language Section within the Department of Linguistics at UoN.
The DVC Human Resource and Administration, Prof. John Mande received the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kenya and the discussions focused on opportunities for strengthening academic, cultural and research collaboration between the University and the Republic of Korea.
Ambassador Kang expressed the Republic’s interest in establishing a Department of Korean Studies in Kenya, with the University of Nairobi identified as the preferred host institution. He noted that the University’s academic reputation and regional standing make it an ideal partner for the initiative, adding that the proposed department would be the first of its kind in Africa. He informed the DVC that the Korea Foundation is currently reviewing the proposal submitted.
Prof. Mande welcomed the proposal and expressed appreciation to the Ambassador for the Embassy’s continued engagement with the University. He acknowledged the Embassy’s collaboration with the University during the Korean Culture Week 2025, particularly the Taekwondo demonstration held at Taifa Hall, which attracted a large turnout from the University community. Prof. Mande noted that the University would welcome similar engagements in the future, observing that such cultural exchanges strengthen mutual understanding while also providing an opportunity to showcase Kenyan culture.
Prof. Mande reiterated the University’s commitment to strengthening international academic partnerships and highlighted existing collaborations with global institutions. He cited the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi, as well as the student exchange programme with Tianjin University in China, as examples of successful partnerships that continue to benefit students and faculty. He suggested that collaboration on Korean Studies will be anchored on the University’s core mandate of academia and research. Prof. Mande also recommended the inclusion of Korean-speaking lecturers to support the proposed programme while encouraging reciprocal initiatives such as the promotion of Swahili studies in Korea, which would further strengthen cultural and academic exchange between the two countries.
Ambassador Kang welcomed the proposals and expressed the Embassy’s interest in promoting Korean culture within the University community. He noted that the Embassy would be keen to organise cultural events at the University to enable students and staff to familiarise themselves with Korean culture and traditions.
The Ambassador highlighted Korea’s rapid socio-economic transformation over the past decades, noting that the country is currently ranked among the top ten largest economies globally, with strong performance in international trade, innovation and technology. He emphasised that research, science and technology remain central pillars of Korea’s development strategy, adding that the country ranks among the leading nations globally in terms of investment in research and development (R&D) relative to its Gross Domestic Product.
Ambassador Kang also informed the DVC about the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) campus currently under construction at Konza Technopolis, with the official establishment ceremony expected in mid-April, which is expected to strengthen collaboration in advanced science and technology research within the region. The Ambassador further highlighted Korea’s continued support for higher education through scholarship programmes such as the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), noting that several Kenyan students, including those from the University of Nairobi, have benefited from the programme. He proposed the establishment of a “Korean Corner” at the University, which would serve as a resource centre where students could access Korean language learning materials and prepare for Korean language proficiency examinations.
Prof. Mande welcomed the proposals and noted that the University would review the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Nairobi and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, with a view to identifying opportunities for revitalising and expanding collaboration. He observed that the establishment of the Department of Korean Studies would provide an important entry point for strengthening academic engagement between the University and Korean institutions, after which other areas of partnership could be explored.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor also briefed the Ambassador on the University of Nairobi’s 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, and noted that Korea’s development experience provides valuable lessons for Kenya, particularly in areas of innovation, technological advancement and research-driven growth, and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to building strong partnerships with Korean institutions in pursuit of these goals.
Ambassador Kang welcomed the alignment between the proposed collaboration and the University’s strategic priorities, noting that Kenya and Korea share historical and developmental similarities that provide a strong foundation for cooperation. He expressed the Embassy’s commitment to advancing a future-oriented partnership centred on knowledge exchange, research collaboration and innovation.
Prof. Mande also informed the Ambassador about the University’s Innovation Week scheduled for 8th June, as well as the Innovators Awards, where outstanding professors and students were recognised for their contributions to research and innovation. Ambassador Kang welcomed the initiative and expressed interest in engaging with students during future visits to the University. He also indicated his willingness to deliver lectures and share insights with students as part of strengthening academic engagement.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both parties to strengthening academic, cultural and research collaboration between the University of Nairobi and the Republic of Korea.
