The cooperation between Italy and Kenya in the fields of higher education, scientific research, and innovation has been significantly bolstered with the signing of a memorandum of understanding by Italy's Minister of Universities and Research, Anna Maria Bernini. This event took place in Nairobi and was attended by Kenyan President William Ruto, marking a formal commitment to enhance educational and research collaborations under the Mattei Plan for Africa.

This mission by Minister Bernini is strategically timed ahead of Kenya's participation in the Italy-Africa Summit in Addis Ababa and coincides with the 50th anniversary of Kenya-EU relations. During her visit, Bernini also met with President Ruto, who is expected to make an official visit to Italy in April, further strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations.

The signing of the memorandum aims to not only facilitate existing educational partnerships but also to expand collaborative initiatives that focus on innovation and development. With both countries showing a strong commitment to education and research, this agreement could yield long-term benefits, fostering growth and knowledge exchange that can impact both nations positively, particularly in the context of African development initiatives.