UoN launch pioneer African Center for Study of USA (ACSUS)
The first Center for the Study of the United States of America (ACSUS) in Kenya has been launched at the University of Nairobi(UON) today and will be domiciled under the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies (DDIS).
The two-day event will end tomorrow and has attracted key dignitaries from the diplomatic corps and local leaders.
“The establishment of the African Centre for the Study of the United States of America (ACSUS) at the University of Nairobi constitutes a pivotal stepping-stone towards enabling the University of Nairobi to be the critical fusion center for teaching, research, and strategic corporate outreach. It is our hope that the center will serve as a platform to promote understanding of spheres of US’s strategic engagement with Kenya, Africa, and the Global South.” UoN Vice Chancellor Professor Stephen Kiama said through a statement read on his behalf by Deputy Vice Chancellor, in charge of academic affairs Professor Julius Ogeng’o.
Among the key participants included Deputy mayor of Denver City Happy Haynes, US Embassy representative Christopher Machin, Sister Cities International African President Lorna Johnson, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei, Vice Chairperson of the Parliamentary Service Commission Naomi Shaban, chairperson of the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies Dr. Patrick Maluki among others.
In addition to providing impetus to multilateralism to promote integration in the region and around the world, the center will serve as a rich definitive hub for African-generated knowledge by the academic community.
“I am pleased to be part of this great initiative. Nairobi is a Regional transportation hub as the city was founded as a railway construction depot sharing similarity with Denver counterpart.” Shollei said.
The center’s goal is to develop comprehensive, multidisciplinary, incisive, and cutting-edge perspectives on the US while providing opportunities for critical analysis of subjects like the nation’s political diplomacy, internal dynamics, and diaspora issues while researching the consolidated US as a society, country, and its status as a global superpower.
“You learn more about your country and culture when its coming from the other person…It is good to learn culture and policies of America as a country in Kenya and Africa, away from home.” Machin noted.
On her part, Lorna said the goal is to increase 500 more sister cities from the current six we have so far.
By guaranteeing that data gathering is successful to serve academics and organizations looking for the useful information, the department’s co-business will be assisting in research and academic materials and goods about the USA.
With a similar program, the university is currently collaborating with the Witwatersrand in South Africa to provide digital diplomacy projects.
