On the 6th of December 2022, the ARUA Centre of Excellence for Non communicable diseases was launched at the University of Nairobi, Main campus. This is one of the thirteen (13) Centres of excellence of ARUA. The Centre was awarded to the University of Nairobi. It is run by a hub and spoke model, with the hub at the University of Nairobi. This Centre is a partnership between five (5) research-intensive universities in the continent; The University of Nairobi, The University of Ghana, Ibadan University, Makerere University and The University of the Witwatersrand.The Centre also collaborates with two (2) UK universities, the University of Glasgow and Leicester University. In addition to these, the Centre has an independent advisory board. University. In addition to these, the Centre has an independent advisory board.
The Centre was launched by the Associate Vice Chancellor Research, Innovation and Enterprise at the University of Nairobi, Professor Margaret Hutchinson. In her speech, she lauded the Centre leadership for their efforts in ensuring the event was a success, and their work towards the achievement of the goals set out as a Centre. She also noted that the University of Nairobi is willing to work with the Centre and all the partners in ensuring the Centre’s objectives are met.
This launch was attended by several other high-profile guests from the partner universities, the Council of Governors, the Ministry of Health, stakeholders from private organizations and non-governmental organizations, and the University of Glasgow. The launch event was concluded at 1230 pm.