Representatives from the Oka' Institute and faculty and staff of East Central University held a meeting with Kenyan Ambassador Lazarus Ombai Amayo at the Kenyan Embassy in Washington, D.C. During this meeting, they discussed a joint effort with Kenyan scholars to develop groundwater resources using new technology developed in Oklahoma.
The meeting was facilitated by Dr. Stephen Agong, a visiting professor with ECU who is also a Kenyan citizen. Ambassador Amayo showed interest in the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations' role in water resources, and it was suggested that he and his staff visit Oklahoma to explore mutually beneficial ideas further regarding technological advances that could be used in Kenya.
Oka' is seeking grants to teach Kenyan water professionals the principles of Integrated Water Resources Management and to implement technological innovations. The group also discussed the challenges Kenyan students face in obtaining visas to attend schools in Oklahoma, and Ambassador Amayo expressed keen interest in resolving this issue.
Christine Pappas, Oka' Institute Policy and Education Coordinator, expressed her excitement at offering undergraduate students the opportunity to meet an ambassador. "Despite taking ECU students to DC several times, this is the first time we have met an ambassador, and in this capacity," she said.
For additional information regarding Oka’s partnership with Kenya, please visit our website at www.okainstitute.org.