The Cabinet has approved the Higher Education, Science and Technology Phase II Project, a transformative education plan aimed at turning Kenya’s public universities into innovation hubs and accelerating the country’s journey toward a knowledge-driven economy.
Passed during the Cabinet meeting held on June 24, the resolution outlines a multi-faceted strategy to revamp STEM education, drive research commercialisation, and offer skills-based training to Kenya’s youth—particularly young women.
One of the key characteristics of the plan is the establishment of a National Science and Technology Park, alongside a Physical Sciences Research Laboratory and a Centre of Excellence in Maritime Engineering.
These flagship facilities are expected to boost innovation, attract investment, and promote industrial partnerships.
“This marks the beginning of a new era for our universities—where research isn’t just theoretical, but a catalyst for industrial growth and national development,” said an official close to the Cabinet deliberations.
Kenya’s weak performance in the 2023 Global Innovation Index was partly attributed to inadequate research infrastructure and underutilised university innovations. This project aims to reverse that trend by upgrading facilities, incentivising postgraduate STEM training, and embedding Competency-Based Education and Training at the tertiary level.
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Another pillar of the programme focuses on employability and gender inclusion, with short skills courses and mentorship programmes targeting women and youth in technical sectors.
The project also prioritises international collaboration, with plans to forge new partnerships with foreign universities and Research and Development institutions to ensure Kenyan students and faculty gain global exposure.
By Joseph Mambili
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