Universities in Kenya have been challenged to develop innovative ways to raise finance to power their training, research, and rising development needs.

According to President William Ruto, universities can explore forming partnerships with players in the private sector to unlock a fresh stream of financing. Another option could be to monetize their intellectual assets, especially research.

“Through Public-Private Partnerships, we can unlock the tremendous potential that exists in the assets we have in our universities,” noted Dr. Ruto during the launch of the University of Nairobi’s KES4.7 billion Engineering and Science Complex (ESC), dubbed Silicon Savannah Innovation Park at State House, Nairobi.

He added: “I take this opportunity to appreciate the generous support of our partners, especially the Government of France, whose investment has made this historic moment possible.”

The research center is backed by the Agence Française de Dévelopement, in cooperation with six institutions of higher learning from the European country including, CentraleSupélec, Université Paris-Saclay, ParisTech group with AgroParisTech, Chimie ParisTech - PSL, Mines Paris – PSL, Ecole des Ponts ParisTech. 

The complex will house research centers and industry-aligned curricula in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), manufacturing, and health technology. 

Other key areas of research will be in energy, green and blue engineering, and smart urban planning, with a special focus on empowering women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

"Through the integration of the Silicon Savannah Innovation Park and the Nairobi School of AI, we are creating an ecosystem where cutting-edge research meets entrepreneurship, where global partnerships drive local solutions, and where the next generation of African leaders is equipped to shape a sustainable, equitable future," Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen, Chancellor of the University of Nairobi explained.

The Silicon Savannah Innovation Park is more than just buildings; it is the heart of a movement to unlock Africa’s potential through knowledge, technology, and collaboration," Prof Verkooijen added.

“This innovation park will be a transmission belt for tech start ups to populate the Konza Technopolis,” he said.

Situated at the university's Chiromo Campus in Nairobi, the ESC is modeled to also align with Kenya’s growth blueprint Vision 2030 which aims to transform the nation into a newly industrializing middle-income country. 

"This innovation park will seek to consolidate the University of Nairobi’s place as a leading innovator and a hub of entrepreneurship. The Big 5 pillars that the Chancellor is spearheading will transform the University into a fit-for-purpose institution for a resilient and sustainable future. This transformative agenda embodies what we envision for tertiary education in Kenya," noted Julius Ogamba, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education.

According to UoN, this investment is poised to mark a new era in higher education, research, and innovation in Kenya and across Africa.

“The Silicon Savannah Innovation Park is more than an infrastructure project; it is an investment in our people, our future, and our global standing,” said the president, adding that the park also serves as a model for transforming Kenya's natural and human potential into tangible prosperity, channelling youthful energy into enterprise and turning dreams into lived experiences.

Dr. Ruto appealed to the youth to seize the opportunities offered by the Silicon Savannah Innovation Park to shape the future of Kenya’s digital economy.

“I also have a message to the youth of Kenya: Your government is shaping the future, working for you and delivering opportunities for you to learn, work, create and innovate a path to the future for yourselves and for Kenya,” he said.

He also highlighted the government’s intentional approach to job creation, citing the establishment of ICT hubs in every ward, the affordable housing programme and the export of labour.

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