Kenya and France have strengthened their partnership to construct a modern Science and Engineering Complex at the University of Nairobi. The flagship project, valued at around KSh 4.5 billion (€35 million), aims to transform higher education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in Kenya and the wider East African region.

Funded largely by the French Development Agency (AFD) through a €30 million concessional loan and €5 million grant, the complex will span about 30,000 square metres at the Chiromo Campus. It will house advanced laboratories, centres of excellence including one dedicated to Artificial Intelligence innovation hubs, and modern learning facilities. The project forms a key part of the University of Nairobi’s “Silicon Savannah Innovation Park” initiative.

The partnership brings together the University of Nairobi with leading French institutions such as ParisTech schools (AgroParisTech, Chimie ParisTech, École des Ponts ParisTech, Mines Paris), CentraleSupélec, and Université Paris-Saclay. These partners will support curriculum development, faculty training, research collaboration, and industry linkages.

Recent progress includes the signing of an architectural design contract with Scope Design Systems in late 2025. The project is expected to boost cutting-edge research, practical training, and innovation that responds to Kenya’s development needs in areas like renewable energy, agriculture, health, and digital technologies.

For students and lecturers, the new complex will mean access to world-class equipment and learning environments that were previously limited. Young Kenyans, especially women in STEM, will benefit from targeted programmes designed to increase participation and success in these fields.

University officials say the facility will help produce highly skilled graduates ready to solve real-world problems and drive industrial growth. It also strengthens Kenya’s position as a regional education and innovation hub under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

The Kenya-France collaboration dates back several years, with steady progress despite some delays. President William Ruto has repeatedly highlighted the project as a symbol of strong bilateral ties focused on skills development and youth empowerment.

Once completed, the Science and Engineering Complex is expected to serve thousands of students and researchers while creating new opportunities for partnerships between academia and industry.

This initiative reflects growing efforts across Africa to build stronger local capacity in science and technology through meaningful international cooperation that benefits ordinary citizens. Construction is set to advance in the coming months, with the complex expected to open in the coming years.