The African Development Fund (ADF), the concessional financing arm of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), has approved a loan of $73.31 million to enhance science and technology education across Kenya’s public universities. This funding marks a significant step in the second phase of the Support to Higher Education, Science and Technology Project (HEST II).
Announced late last week, the initiative aims to modernize 19 public universities by equipping them with state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced teaching tools, and digital learning infrastructure. This builds on the success of HEST I, which previously upgraded facilities in eight universities and strengthened engineering education nationwide.
HEST II is designed to ensure regional equity, with improvements reaching institutions across all parts of the country. The project is expected to benefit over 20,000 students, including 8,000 young women, and generate approximately 5,000 direct and indirect jobs by the year 2030.
Key components of the investment include:
- Establishment of three engineering centres of excellence, aimed at fostering specialized technical skills.
- Creation of a science and technology park, providing a platform for students and researchers to transform innovative ideas into commercial and industrial solutions.
- Scholarships for 103 university lecturers, enabling them to pursue advanced studies and contribute to academic excellence.
- Staff retraining programs to align teaching capabilities with emerging technological trends.
- Deployment of a competency-based education curriculum, ensuring graduates are better prepared for the job market.
- Support for youth entrepreneurship, including training, mentorship, and incubation hubs for over 100 youth-led start-ups.
Speaking on the initiative, Hendrina Doroba, Division Manager for Education and Skills Development at AfDB, emphasized the transformative potential of the project:
For many, education remains the surest path to a better life. We’re helping Kenya’s young people gain the skills that employers need today, and the confidence to create their own jobs tomorrow.
This strategic investment underscores AfDB’s commitment to empowering Africa’s youth through education, innovation, and inclusive economic development.
