Postcard from Kenya: A week of discovery and collaboration
Posted on: 27 October 2023 by Professor Paul Lunn in October 2023 posts
Professor Paul Lunn, Dean of the School of Veterinary Science, tells us about his recent trip to Kenya.
During a recent visit to Kenya, I had the fantastic opportunity to spend a week with colleague Professor Eric Fèvre (Department of Livestock and One Health) who has lived and worked in in the country for 14 years. It was also a chance to get reacquainted with Dr Keli Gerken, one of Eric’s PhD students who I knew from back in my North Carolina days.
I made the trip with Dr Andy Stringer (Department of Livestock and One Health). One of the highlights was a day at the University of Nairobi Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. We had the chance to learn about their programmes, meet the staff and students, and discuss potential exchange programs. The enthusiasm and dedication of the university's community were inspiring and left us with exciting prospects for collaboration.
Our trip also took us to the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), where Eric holds a joint appointment. ILRI is a remarkable institution that has a significant impact on livestock health, food security, and poverty reduction in Africa. Our visit to ILRI had an immediate positive impact on me, and we explored ways to expand our partnership during discussions with the Deputy Director General, Boni Moyo. We are particularly eager to work on the possibility of having our BVSc students participate in their programs.
After two fulfilling days in Nairobi, we travelled south to Oloitoktok, located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro on the Tanzanian border. This part of the trip was more relaxed (no suit!) but gave me the chance to learn about Keli's research work and meet the Kenyan people living and working in the area.
As we concluded our visit, Eric arranged for us to travel through Amboseli National Park. The highlight of this wildlife adventure was spotting a cheetah walking right in front of our vehicle, a memory that will stay with us forever.
Looking back, our time in Kenya was truly amazing, full of inspiration and valuable insights. It has left us contemplating how we can further support the exceptional work being done by Eric and his colleagues. The journey continues, and we are excited to see where this path of collaboration and knowledge exchange will lead us.
