Maasai Mara University and University of Oxford Strengthen Cultural Collaboration on Maasai Heritage
The meeting came up with a raft of proposals: The establishment of an Anthropology School, Cultural Museum, Cultural and institute to offer Maasai language studies, cultural exchange programs between the institutions and joint cultural conference.
A high-level collaboration meeting between Maasai Mara University and the University of Oxford was held today at the University's main hall, focusing on the preservation, promotion, and academic integration of Maasai culture. The session brought together representatives from both institutions and key stakeholders committed to cultural heritage and academic advancement.
The University of Oxford delegation was led by Prof. Laura Van Broekhoven, alongside Jessica Frankopan and Marina de Alacorn. They were accompanied by representatives from PALCA led by Director Samuel Nankiria , Finance Director Mr Amos Leuka, Eunice Mpaira, and Tuyesi Ntutu.
Orkiama was represented by: Eve Mein Orkiama, Beatrice Kerei Orkiama and the Chair J.M. Ole Pasha.
The Maasai Mara University team was led by the Acting DVC, Research Innovation and Outreach Prof. Francis Mburu alongside: Acting Dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Creative Industries Dr. Dennis Ikachoi, Director, Public Relations Marketing and Linkages Dr. Edward Kateyia , Coordinator Centre for Community Outreach Mr. Jackson Masago, Chair, Department of Languages, Linguistics and Culture Dr. Lily Koskei, Chair Department of Humanities and Public Administration Dr. Ndung’u Kungu. The meeting served as a platform to discuss possible areas of collaboration in Maasai cultureal heritage and explorinf other avenues for joint initiatives.
Dr. Edward Kateyia presented a brief about Maasai Mara University and emphasized that Maasai culture remains central to the University’s identity and mission.
Prof. Laura Van Broekhoven reflected on the University of Oxford’s ongoing relationship with the Maasai community, which spans over seven years. She acknowledged the mutual learning, cultural exchange, and trust built over time and expressed Oxford’s commitment to further deepening these ties.
Prof. Mburu read the V.C’s speech and highlighted the need for exploration of the rich Maa herbal cultural practices , joint research and cultural center establishment.
The meeting came up with a raft of proposals: The establishment of an Anthropology School, Cultural Museum, Cultural and institute to offer Maasai language studies, cultural exchange programs between the institutions and joint cultural conference. These areas and others would be discussed in online forum.
Both universities shared how they have worked to preserve cultural ornaments, stories, and traditions—Oxford through academic archives and exhibitions, and Maasai Mara University through community engagement and cultural education.
This collaboration signals a forward-looking partnership rooted in mutual respect and a shared goal of safeguarding indigenous knowledge. It aims to strengthen cultural identity while creating academic opportunities that are relevant, respectful, and community-driven.
