Kenya, Korea ink Sh9b contract to build varsity

The Kenya and Korean governments have signed a Sh9.4 billion contract to establish Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and technology (KAIST) at the Konza technopolis.

University Education and Research PS Simon Nabukwesi said it will become the first top science and technology institution in the region and it is expected to be completed within two years. 

The campus will be constructed on 36 acres of land in the Konza Techno City, with the first batch of students expected to commence in 2023.

It will comprise 10 research science labs that will enlist services of specialised local and international researchers in science, technology and engineering. 

“We want our KAIST to be a replica of the Korean one if not better. It will also be a center of innovation for job creation opportunities and further development as a country,” said the PS, when they signed the contract at Jogoo House yesterday.

Provide education

Nabukwesi said with the establishment of KAIST- Kenya is geared towards providing specialised research and training in various leading edge engineering technologies and advanced science fields to help the country fast track modernisation. 

KAIST will develop academic curricula for six initial departments (Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, ICT Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Agricultural Biotechnology), which will lay the groundwork for engineering research and education in Kenya to meet emerging socio-economic demands. 

In addition, KAIST will provide education in the basic science areas of math, physics, chemistry and biology.

The KAIST delegation, led by Jung Hoon SEO, Director, BOMI E&C Consortium, which has been awarded the contract, said the partnership will bring a new future to Kenya and they will ensure the construction is completed within the timeline.