The University of Nairobi proudly inaugurated the African Centre for the Study of the United States of America (ACSUS), a pioneering institution dedicated to fostering academic and strategic engagements between Africa and the United States. The event brought together esteemed dignitaries, including the University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Kiama; the Deputy Mayor of Denver, Her Lordship Happy Haynes; representatives from the U.S. Embassy to Kenya; members of the Diplomatic Corps; and senior government officials.
Key Highlights from the Launch Event
Prof. Stephen Kiama set the tone for the event, emphasizing ACSUS's role in deepening the understanding of U.S.-Africa strategic engagements and fostering a new generation of scholars, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. He stated, "This Centre will serve as a platform for understanding U.S.-based spheres of interaction with Kenya, Africa, and the Global South."
The Deputy Mayor of Denver, Her Lordship Happy Haynes, highlighted the long-standing ties between Nairobi and Denver as sister cities since 1975, underscoring the importance of city-to-city diplomacy. She encouraged further collaboration to strengthen academic and economic partnerships.
Dr. Naomi Shabaan, Vice-Chair of the Parliamentary Service Commission, praised the University of Nairobi’s commitment to academic excellence and its instrumental role in shaping Kenya’s higher education landscape. She reiterated Parliament’s willingness to collaborate with ACSUS on policy research and governance studies.
Prof. Maria Nzomo provided historical insights into the University’s leadership in international relations and strategic studies, citing ACSUS as a natural extension of its commitment to policy-driven research.
Ms. Lorna Johnson, President of Sister Cities International, emphasized the necessity of a balanced exchange of knowledge, ensuring that while Africa studies the U.S., the continent also showcases its rich resources and innovations. she stated that "As Africa studies the U.S., we must also ensure that the world sees all that Africa has to offer".
Christopher Machin, the U.S. Embassy representative, reflected on the importance of cross-cultural understanding, noting that "People learn more about their own country when they see it through the lens of an outsider."
In her closing remarks, Hon. Gladys Boss Sholei expressed pride in her alma mater for establishing ACSUS and acknowledged the University of Nairobi’s contribution to governance and policy-making in Kenya.
Looking Ahead
With its dynamic vision and strong partnerships, ACSUS is poised to become a leading center for research, policy analysis, and academic exchange on Africa-U.S. relations. The Centre seeks to offer various programs, including seminars, fellowships, and consulting services, to drive informed discussions on diplomacy, trade, security, technology, and cultural exchange.
Strategic Vision and Objectives
ACSUS is designed to serve as a hub for critical analysis and interdisciplinary collaboration, focusing on Africa-U.S. relations. The Centre's objectives include:
- Establishing a multidisciplinary platform for rigorous academic exploration.
- Promoting collaborative research initiatives with universities and think tanks in Africa and the U.S.
- Engaging scholars, policymakers, and industry professionals in discourse on geopolitics, public diplomacy, and economic partnerships.
- Enhancing capacity-building through postgraduate programs, fellowships, and professional development courses.
Providing consulting services and policy recommendations on Africa-U.S. affairs.