As a part of the “Top Global University Project” led by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the “University of Nairobi - Soka University Liaison Office” was established in the Education Building of the University of Nairobi in Kenya, Africa.

The opening ceremony, held virtually on Friday, August 20, 2021, was attended by representatives of the faculty of the University of Nairobi, including Vice-chancellor Stephen Kiama and Executive Dean of Faculty of Arts Ephrahim Wahome, along with Ambassador Ryoichi Horie of the Embassy of Japan in Kenya as well as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Yasunori Tashiro, President Yoshihisa Baba, and representatives from the alumni of Soka University.

The Nairobi Office plans to provide information and advice to Kenyan students who are considering studying in Japan, offer support for students of Soka University studying in Kenya, and strengthen partnerships with Soka University’s partner universities in Kenya. This is Soka University’s fifth overseas office, following the establishment of offices in Beijing (2005), Thailand (2016), South Korea (2016), and the Philippines (2018).

Since the signing of an academic exchange agreement between Soka University and the University of Nairobi in May 1988, interactions between the two were held year after year by some 150 students through exchange programs, short-term study programs, and other opportunities. Soka University has also signed agreements with 12 other universities in 9 African countries aside from the University of Nairobi and has been promoting education and research exchanges. Such efforts were recognized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and Soka University received the highest evaluation of “S” in the interim evaluations of the “Top Global University Project” two times in a row in 2018 and 2021.
 

In the opening ceremony, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Yasunori Tashiro shared a message from Mr. Daisaku Ikeda, the founder of Soka University, and President Baba greeted and expressed his will to foster capable individuals who can contribute to building a peaceful society. Following a congratulatory speech by the distinguished guest, Ambassador Horie, Executive Dean of Faculty of Arts Ephrahim Wahome and Professor Henry Indangasi expressed their hopes for the Nairobi Office. In the end, Vice-chancellor Stephen Kiama mentioned the distinctive characteristic of Soka University to foster global citizens, and stated his hopes to further promote exchanges between the two universities.