The Kenya and Korean governments have signed a contract for the establishment of the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) to be set up at Konza Techno polis.
Principal Secretary (PS) for University Education and Research in the Ministry of Education, Amb. Simon Nabukwesi, said the establishment of KAIST-Kenya is aimed at providing specialized research and training in various cutting edge engineering technologies and advanced science disciplines to help the country move in fast tracking modernization.
He said the Ministry is determined to nurture Kenyans from the youngest possible age to pursue careers in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) and develop capacities and competences in technology management as reflected in the new competence based curriculum being rolled out.
Speaking during the signing ceremony at his Jogoo House office, the PS said the adoption of the Korea-KAIST model will give Kenya an opportunity to benchmark with Korea but not replicate the development of the Institute in South Korea, which has enabled Korea’s economy to grow.
The initial concept paper on the KAIST development was signed in November 2013 between the National Treasury, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology and the Korean Exim Bank.
The Ministry of Education also brought on board other government ministries and agencies to participate in the project.
“We will want to leverage on the skilled graduates from KAIST-Kenya to make the most of the potential of Science and Technology,” Amb. Nabukwesi said, adding “This model worked in South Korea and we believe, with the right procedures and strategies, Kenya will benefit and transform the region’s narrative.”
He said the completion of the Institute will make it a masterpiece exemplifying the Centre of Excellence in science and engineering as envisioned in the second and third medium term plans of Vision 2030.
The PS said the contractor of the project , BOMI E&C Consortium, has been given a duration of 24 months to deliver the project and urged the contractor to partner with the local Sub-contractors for the purposes of effective and efficient project implementation.
Amb. Nabukwesi said the Ministry proposed the institute be located at Konza Techno polis as the Konza Techno polis Development Authority master plan provided space for the establishment of the University.
“Konza Techno polis is envisioned as a green, smart, inclusive and vibrant African Silicon Savannah and its sustainability leads it to be potentially ideal place for an advanced science and technology institution,” he added.
He said based on a Public-Private Partnership approach, Konza Techno polis is supposed to promote close collaboration with private companies, especially Information, Communication and Technology firms.
By Bernadette Khaduli
