A consortium of seven European and African universities, including Taita Taveta University (TTU), has received support for a new international project under the Erasmus+ Programme – Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE). The project is co-funded by the European Union and focuses on promoting gender equality within Kenyan higher education institutions through the development and implementation of Gender Equality Plans (GEPs) as part of university governance and policy.
The initiative aims to create fairer and more inclusive academic environments by designing and implementing comprehensive Gender Equality Plans. Using a participatory approach, the project engages university staff, management, and students in assessing current conditions, identifying challenges, and co-designing tailored solutions that reflect both the local context and international best practices.
A series of educational activities, including training-of-trainers workshops and the development of online learning platforms, will enhance the capacity of university communities to promote and implement gender equality principles effectively. Strong emphasis is placed on long-term sustainability, supported by continuous monitoring and evaluation of the measures introduced.
The University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava (Slovakia) serves as the coordinator of the project, led by its Rector, Prof. Katarína Slobodová Nováková, PhD, who acts as the project leader. The university coordinates the initiative in close collaboration with partners from Poland – the Academy of Applied Sciences – Higher School of Management and Administration in Opole – and the Czech Republic – the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice. Their combined expertise will support the development of institutional gender equality policies together with four partner universities in Kenya: Taita Taveta University (led by Dr Mwakio Mwagandi, PhD), Mount Kenya University, Kenyatta University, and Strathmore University.
The consortium officially launched the project with a kick-off meeting held on 18–19 November 2025 at Mount Kenya University and Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya, bringing together representatives of all partner institutions to discuss the project’s objectives, work plan, and upcoming activities.
A presentation by project manager Marta Kuhnová, PhD, from the University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava
Prof. Katarína Slobodová Nováková, PhD, – Rector at University of Ss. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava
Dr. Mwakio Mwagandi, PhD – Dean of School of Business, Economics and Social Sciences at Taita Taveta University