Kenya seeks France’s support for Ksh4.5B University of Nairobi project
By Aloys Michael, May 11, 2026William Ruto has unveiled a Ksh4.5 billion Engineering and Science Complex at the University of Nairobi, a landmark initiative financed through a partnership between the French Development Agency and the governments of Kenya and France.
Speaking on Monday, May 11, 2026, during the exhibition of the Proposed Engineering and Science Complex, University of Nairobi, the Head of State said the state-of-the-art facility, to be located at the University’s Chiromo Campus, is expected to strengthen the country’s capacity in engineering and scientific training while elevating the University of Nairobi into a leading centre for research, technology, and innovation in Africa.
“We are investing in our youth to ensure they remain competitive in an ever-evolving technological landscape. By reforming our education system, we are empowering young people to keep pace with global trends in science and technology, positioning them as creators and innovators rather than mere consumers,” the president said,
“To advance this vision, we are partnering with France in building the University of Nairobi Science and Engineering Complex. This facility will be a premier research hub for both Kenya and the region.”
Ruto announced French President Emmanuel Macron at the Africa Forward Summit on May 11, 2026, during Macron’s second state visit to Kenya.
The two leaders jointly hosted the Africa Forward Summit 2026, an innovators forum strengthening bilateral cooperation between Kenya and France.
The idea of such a complex has been around for years, after first being conceived in 2015, when the French Development Agency invited African higher education institutions to submit proposals for the development of science, technology, and innovation infrastructure.
Momentum grew in March 2019 when Macron first visited Kenya during the reign of the retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, which led to the signing of a formal Letter of Intent, committing both governments to advancing the ambitious engineering project together.
Credit and grant agreements followed in October 2021. By 2022, subsidiary agreements between the University of Nairobi, the Ministry of Education, and the National Treasury had established the full financial and legal framework needed.
After three years of development, technical studies, and close academic cooperation with partnering French higher education institutions, the architectural design contract was awarded to Scope Design Systems via an international competition finalised in December 2025.
A legally binding contract is now in place, with its signing timed to coincide with the Africa Forward Summit, making clear that the project has moved well beyond the planning stage into confirmed reality.