University of Nairobi Partners with Beihang University to Launch Joint Laboratory for BeiDou Engineering and Simulation Technology

Prof. Eng. Ayub Gitau engages with the Beihang University management team to strengthen strategic partnerships in research, innovation, and academic collaboration.

The University of Nairobi and Beihang University of China have formalized a strategic partnership with the launch of the Beihang–University of Nairobi Joint Laboratory for BeiDou Engineering and Simulation Technology, unveiled on October 22, 2025, during the 2025 Beihang Global Partner Summit at Beihang University’s Hangzhou International Campus. The new laboratory will advance collaborative research in satellite navigation, engineering simulation and geospatial modelling, creating a strong platform for technology transfer, capacity building and joint innovation.

The summit, themed “Building an Inclusive, Innovative, and Collaborative Sustainable Global Network of Partners,” brought together over 230 scholars and experts from more than 130 universities and research institutions across 50 countries. Representing the University of Nairobi was Eng. Prof. Ayub Gitau, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, who joined university leaders and policymakers to discuss the future of global higher education and science cooperation. A 2026 Work Plan for the BeiDou Engineering Simulation Technology Joint Laboratory was signed by Prof. Yang Dongkai (Beihang University) and Prof. Ayub Gitau (University of Nairobi), marking a strengthened partnership in satellite navigation research and training.

7 Key Takeaways:

• Summer School: UoN hosts an annual 2-week summer school for Beihang students.
• Scholarship: 2 Master's scholarships from Beihang for selected UoN students.
• Exchange Student: UoN students head to China (4-12 months) for research.
• Research Collaboration: Aiming for 2+ high-level papers on BeiDou and smart farming.
• Workshop: Joint online and in-person BeiDou/GNSS sessions planned for 2026.
• BeiDou/GNSS Software and Hardware: Free GNSS simulation software provided by Beihang.
• Visiting Scholar: Prof. WAN Xiaowei to conduct a 2-3-month exchange at UoN.

The summit also featured 18 thematic academic sessions focusing on areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Biomedicine, Data Science, Economics and Management, and the Humanities and Social Sciences. The sessions created a platform for open dialogue on how global universities can work together to address challenges in sustainability, smart cities, and technology-driven development.

Beihang University also signed four cooperation agreements with institutions including MIT, the Polytechnic University of Madrid, the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, and the Macao Polytechnic University. These partnerships cover artificial intelligence, data science, and dual doctoral training, underscoring Beijing’s commitment to inclusive and innovative global cooperation.

The joint laboratory initiative positions the University of Nairobi as a leading force in applied engineering and technology research in Africa. It supports Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the continent’s drive toward digital transformation. Through this global network, UoN is expanding Africa’s research footprint and contributing to worldwide solutions in engineering, technology and sustainable development.