Italy and Kenya share a long-standing tradition of scientific and technological cooperation, dating back to the pioneering aerospace collaboration established through the San Marco Project in the 1960s (more in the space section).
The scientific collaboration between the two countries subsequently expanded beyond the aerospace sector, encompassing universities, research centres, and institutions across a wide range of disciplines in higher education, scientific research, and technological innovation.
Scientific cooperation received fresh impetus from the visit to Kenya by the Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, on February 8–9, 2026, followed by the visit to Rome of Professor Shaukat Abdulrazak—Principal Secretary of the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation—as part of President William Ruto’s state visit to Italy. These occasions saw the signing of the agreements now defining the framework for scientific collaboration between the two countries.
Among the first concrete applications of the new collaboration framework is the Transnational Access (TNA) and visiting mobility scheme —designated as the “Flagship Transnational Mobility Initiative” in the agreements—which aims to foster the participation of Kenyan researchers in research activities and programs at Italian universities, scientific infrastructures, and research centers. The program entered its operational phase in September 2026 with the publication of the first calls for applications by participating Italian institutions. To learn more, visit the Flagship Transnational Mobility Initiative.
Additional Italy-Kenya scientific cooperation initiatives fall within the broader framework of Mattei Plan for Africa, with the aim of establishing long-term partnerships in research, innovation, training, and capacity building.
The bilateral cooperation has benefited significantly from the TNE (Trans-National Education) program, funded by the Ministry of University and Research under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). The program has strengthened university staff mobility and expanded institutional ties between Italian and Kenyan universities, with signing of new agreements, intensified academic exchanges, and the creation of structured networks, often facilitating joint participation in European programs such as Horizon Europe and Erasmus+. In this context, Kenya has established itself as a highly active partner for Italy, in terms of the intensity and quality of academic relations, with prospects for further consolidation.
Scientific collaboration between the two countries also takes place within the framework of European Union research and development projects. Under the Horizon Europe Africa I, II, and III initiatives, Kenya ranks second among African nations — after South Africa — securing funding for about €60 million in the 2021–2025 period. For further details, see the presentation.
In addition to promoting science diplomacy as a tool for dialogue, cooperation, and knowledge sharing, the Embassy focuses closely on technological innovation and the role of artificial intelligence in sustainable development, fostering relations between Italy and Kenya within the framework of the AI-HUB for Sustainable Development. Further details in the Techplomacy section.
In The Embassy of Italy in Nairobi a Scientific Attaché oversees the development of bilateral academic and scientific relations between the two countries.