By: Swabra Soud

USIU-Africa hosted The First Summer School on October 17 to October 19,2024, an initiative between the East African Community (EAC) , the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA), and the German Development Bank with the theme "Free Movement of Workers and Regional Integration: Opportunities and Challenges."

The summer school gathered a diverse mix of students, faculty, and industry experts to explore labor mobility and regional integration within the EAC region. Through keynote presentations, interactive workshops, group discussions and a cultural excursion, participants exchanged insights, fostered knowledge-sharing, and developed solutions to regional challenges.

The event featured a distinguished lineup of speakers from various sectors who provided valuable perspectives on regional integration, education policy, and research collaboration. Keynote addresses were delivered by Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi, Vice Chancellor of USIU-Africa; Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research in Kenya; Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona, Executive Secretary of IUCEA; and Hon. David Ole Sankok, a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). Additional insights came from Dr. Dorcas Omukhulu of the EAC Secretariat, Dr. Jemimah Onsare, Assistant Director of Research at the State Department for Higher Education & Research, Prof. Mike Kuria, CEO of the Commission for University Education, Dr. Juma Wakhungu, Director of Research and Regional Liaison Integration, and Prof. Idris Rai, Deputy Executive Secretary of IUCEA.

The summer school also featured a variety of interactive workshops and group discussions, where participants explored key topics related to labor mobility, regional integration, education, and economic collaboration. These sessions provided opportunities for students to develop actionable ideas and potential solutions to the challenges faced by the EAC region. The discussions encouraged lively participation and emphasized the importance of cooperation between different sectors and countries. To enhance cultural understanding and foster community among participants, the event included a cultural excursion that offered a glimpse into Kenyan traditions.

This experience not only enriched participants’ appreciation of local culture but also strengthened personal bonds among attendees, creating a vibrant learning atmosphere. In addition, the event provided numerous networking opportunities, allowing students, faculty, and industry experts to exchange ideas, share experiences, and establish new relationships. These interactions opened avenues for potential future collaborations in research, policy-making, and regional development initiatives, reinforcing the importance of ongoing dialogue between academia, government, and industry.