Kenyan varsities set for Sh10bn AfDB funding for science and tech training

Kenyan Universities Set for Sh10bn AfDB Funding to Boost Science and Tech Training
In a landmark investment set to reshape higher education, Kenyan universities are poised to receive Sh10 billion in funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to dramatically expand science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) training. The massive injection of capital, one of the largest of its kind for the education sector, is specifically targeted at modernizing laboratories, upgrading curricula, and fostering research and innovation to align graduate skills with the demands of a modern, digital economy.
The funding will be channeled through a competitive process to public and private universities that demonstrate a clear strategy for enhancing their STEM output. Key areas of focus include establishing state-of-the-art engineering workshops, equipping computer science departments with high-performance computing resources, and creating innovation hubs directly linked to industry needs. A significant portion of the fund is also earmarked for faculty development, ensuring that lecturers and professors are trained in the latest technological advancements and pedagogical methods.
The announcement has been met with widespread acclaim from university administrators and industry leaders. This is the catalytic investment we have been waiting for, stated the vice-chancellor of a leading technical university. It will allow us to move from theoretical teaching to hands-on, practical training that produces job-ready engineers, data scientists, and tech entrepreneurs. The private sector has also welcomed the news, anticipating a larger pool of highly qualified graduates to fill critical roles in the growing technology and manufacturing sectors.
The long-term impact of this funding is expected to be transformative for Kenya’s development trajectory. By strengthening the foundation of its knowledge economy, the initiative is poised to accelerate homegrown research and development, reduce the reliance on imported technology, and create a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals. This strategic partnership with the AfDB not only underscores confidence in Kenya’s potential but also positions its universities as central engines for driving the nation’s industrialisation and digital transformation goals under the Vision 2030 blueprint.