• Strathmore University launches a $21 million STEM complex to boost applied research and innovation

• Kenya counts only about 25% of undergraduates in STEM fields, with lower shares in ICT and engineering

• Africa produces just 2% of global scientific output, highlighting a major skills and investment gap

Strathmore University aims to position itself as a continental hub for training Africa’s next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators. On Tuesday, March 24, the private Kenyan institution launched construction of a large-scale STEM complex, marking a new phase in its academic and technological expansion strategy.

The university held a groundbreaking ceremony that gathered representatives from academia, industry and public institutions. The project, named the “Kevin O’Byrne STEM Complex,” requires an investment of 2.75 billion Kenyan shillings, or about $21 million. The university plans to equip the facility with modern infrastructure to support applied research and innovation.

Vice-Chancellor Reverend Silvano Ochuodho emphasized the project’s strategic significance. “We position ourselves at the forefront of Africa’s STEM future, not as spectators, but as builders who shape the ideas, innovations and talents that will define the continent’s next chapter,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kihara Maina, regional CEO of I&M Bank Group, highlighted the economic rationale. “The most competitive economies rely on strong STEM foundations,” he said. He added that universities must strengthen partnerships with industry to convert skills into concrete labor market opportunities.

The university designed the future complex to integrate advanced laboratories focused on artificial intelligence and data science. It will also include engineering hubs, innovation centers, collaborative spaces and incubation platforms.

Strathmore University aims to connect academic training with industry needs by developing applied solutions in key sectors such as healthcare, energy and finance.

A Lever in Kenya’s Education Reforms

This initiative aligns with Kenya’s ongoing education system transformation. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reports that the country continues to deploy a competency-based approach focused on practical skills, problem-solving and innovation. In this framework, STEM fields play a central role in building national capabilities.

Kenya already benefits from a growing technology ecosystem often referred to as the “Silicon Savannah.” The country continues to expand innovation hubs and foster a new generation of developers, engineers and tech entrepreneurs. However, structural challenges persist.

Like much of sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya faces limited university enrollment in STEM compared with social sciences and humanities. According to UNESCO’s 2023 report Mapping Research and Innovation in the Republic of Kenya, about 25% of undergraduate students enroll in STEM programs.

The report shows even lower participation in specific disciplines. Only 5.3% of students pursue information and communication technology studies, while just 4.2% enroll in engineering programs.

At the continental level, the gap remains significant. United Nations data show that Africa generates only 2% of global scientific output. The continent accounts for 1.3% of global research and development spending and just 0.7% of patents filed.

Africa also counts around 79 scientists per million inhabitants, compared with 4,500 in the United States. This disparity highlights the scale of investment required to build competitive knowledge economies.

This article was initially published in French by Félicien Houindo Lokossou

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum