International students from Uganda performing a traditional dance during the International Students' Day at UoN
Pomp and colour marked this year’s University of Nairobi (UON) International Students’ Day, where students from different nationalities showcased their diverse cultures.
The event held under the theme; Stronger together through cultural diversity, was held on 27th February 2026 at Taifa Hall.
Speaking during the event, Director Corporate Affairs Mr. John Orindi emphasized on importance of understanding other peoples’ cultures.
“When we understand each other's cultures, we will live in a harmonious and in a peaceful society,” he said.
He further added that he believed that the impact created on these international students by the university was going to impact their societies in the long run.
In his address, Dean of Students & Career Services UoN, Mr. Johnson Ireri termed the university as the melting place for cultural diversity. He further added that the university aimed to increase its already large international student body in order to further position the institution as a multicultural and diverse university globally.
The event which was graced by dignitaries representing different countries further showed the university’s dedication in its vision to be a globally competitive university transforming society. Some of the dignitaries who attended were Ms. Ada Nshemereirwe representing the High Commission of the Republic of Uganda in Kenya and Zimbabwean Deputy Ambassador to Kenya Her Excellency, Mrs. Silibaziso Manyonga.
Dr. Agnes Ndolo also spoke at the event she was representing the European Union, and urged all students, local and international to take advantage of the university’s scholarships programs for example, The Erasmus+ scholarship.
Some of the international students talked about their experiences in Kenya and specifically as students of the university, with most of them citing culture shock, language barrier and loneliness as major challenges.
They urged current and incoming international students to have an open mind and immerse themselves in the culture and also connect socially to combat these challenges.
They further lauded the university’s International office and faculty at large for being helpful in their transition as foreign students.
An international student from China, termed studying at the university as more than an academic journey and more like a bridge between her former education in China and the rest of the world.
All of the international students who spoke encouraged other students from different parts of the world to come and study at the university.
The event was a palette of different cultures where the students served up their cultures tastefully. Vibrant dances in their colourful traditional attires were performed, booths showcasing food, clothing and overall way of life of different countries were up to offer sampling of these cultures. Poems and songs were also performed and overall presentations with students explaining about their home countries were done.
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