France to fund Ksh4.5 Billion Science and Engineering Complex at the University of Nairobi (UoN)
France to fund Ksh4.5 Billion Science and Engineering Complex at the University of Nairobi (UoN)
President William Ruto has announced a Ksh4.5 billion Engineering and Science Complex at the University of Nairobi, a flagship project jointly funded by the French Development Agency and backed by both the Kenyan and French governments.
The facility, which will be housed on the University’s Chiromo Campus, is set to transform how Kenya trains its next generation of engineers and scientists, positioning the University of Nairobi as a top research and innovation hub across the continent, according to President Ruto.
“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 in a statement.
“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.”
President Ruto made the announcement alongside French President Emmanuel Macron during the Africa Forward Summit on May 11, coinciding with Macron’s second State visit to Kenya as both nations jointly host the Africa Forward Summit 2026.
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.
Gachagua links Mandera killings to presence of Jubaland forces in Kenya
Mudavadi fires back at Kalonzo over his remarks on Africa Forward Summit
Rifts in ODM complicating Ruto’s re-election campaigns; CS Oparanya
Doctors demand for 55% salary increment
A 80-year old woman evicted from her home property in Lavington
Momentum grew in March 2019 when Macron first visited Kenya during the reign of the Fourth 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.
The Engineering and Science Complex will house Communities of Excellence spanning innovation, Artificial Intelligence, data science, green energy, sustainable chemistry, agriculture, food security, health, manufacturing, and urban development.
French President Emmanuel Macron in a morning run with Kipchoge in Nairobi
President Ruto assents to 3 new bills
Kenyan drivers reportedly arrested in Uganda
Nakuru MPs accuse Oscar Sudi, Rift Valley politicians of fighting them for fallout with Susan Kihika
Follow us
