The Centre for Design, Innovation & Engineering (CDIE) at Kenyatta University is pioneering Invention Education (IvE), a hands-on learning approach that equips students with practical problem-solving skills and fosters creative thinking. Unlike traditional classroom methods, IvE engages learners in tackling real-world challenges with no straightforward solutions. Through prototyping, critical thinking, and iterative design, students cultivate resilience and innovation, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s growing innovation ecosystem. Universities play a central role in nurturing talent and guiding young innovators to develop solutions with both local and global relevance.
Building on this framework, Kenyatta University will launch the M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering – Medical Device Innovation (MDI) program in January 2026. This 18-month, full-time program, modeled on Rice University’s Global Medical Innovation Master’s program, offers comprehensive training across the medical device lifecycle. Students learn to identify unmet healthcare needs, apply engineering principles in designing devices, and navigate regulatory pathways. The program also emphasizes entrepreneurship, business planning, and industry integration, preparing graduates to bridge gaps between clinical challenges and market-ready technological solutions.
The MDI program offers students dedicated access to a specialized makerspace for low-to-medium-fidelity prototyping, covering mechanical, electrical, woodworking, metalworking, design, and upholstery skills. By participating in team-based projects, industry seminars, and hands-on collaborations with healthcare professionals, students gain real-world experience that ensures they are industry-ready upon graduation. Additionally, the program provides partial and full scholarships to support talented innovators. With IvE and the MDI program, CDIE is redefining biomedical education in Kenya, fostering a new generation of professionals capable of creating impactful, globally relevant healthcare solutions.