Public universities are set to benefit from a Ksh9.5 billion loan from the African Development Fund, the concessional lending arm of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), to boost science and technology education across the country.
The financing, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education, marks the second phase of the Support for Higher Education, Science and Technology (HEST) Project. It aims to modernise 19 public universities by equipping them with advanced laboratories, modern teaching tools, and enhanced digital learning infrastructure.
The project will also establish three engineering centres of excellence and a science and technology park to promote innovation and research. These facilities will provide spaces for students and researchers to turn ideas into practical business and industrial solutions.
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“For many, education remains the surest path to a better life,” said Hendrina Doroba, Division Manager for Education and Skills Development at AfDB. “We’re helping Kenya’s young people gain the skills that employers need today—and the confidence to create their own jobs tomorrow.”
HEST II will also fund scholarships for 103 university lecturers, retrain academic staff to meet emerging technological needs, and roll out a competency-based education system. In addition, it will support youth innovation and entrepreneurship by offering training, mentorship, and incubation support to more than 100 start-ups.
The first phase, launched in 2012, upgraded eight public universities and constituent colleges by modernising laboratories, strengthening engineering and applied science programmes, and enhancing links between academia and industry.
By Our reporter
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