Stephen Otieno, postgraduate student at the Department of Geography & Environmental Studies was among the recipients of the 2012 Africa Initiative Graduate Research Grant (AIGRG) offered by the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), Canada. The grant supports Africa and Canada-based graduate students undertaking policy-related research on Africa. It builds capacity by providing grantees with an opportunity to conduct new and innovative research and publish work in their field of expertise, and in alignment with the Africa Initiative's critical issue areas.

The 2013 Tunza International Youth Conference (10th to 14th February) provided a platform for over 300 youth from 100 countries across the globe. The University of Nairobi had 30 delegates but 100 students participated during the grand opening day. The youth came together to exchange information on best practices for sustainable development.

On 13th of February 2013, The Department of Geography and Environmental Studies participated in the signing ceremony of the MoU between Linkoping University, Sweden and the University of Nairobi, noting the active role the department played in the ground work that culminated to the signing ceremony. Between 14th and 16th February, 2013, the department organized the first activity of the MoU.