Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) University, located at Konza City in Machakos, will now recruit outstanding professors and admit top students after being awarded a charter.
Prof. Emmanuel Mutisya, Chair of the KAIST University Council, made the remarks during a celebration ceremony at the institution following the charter award by President Dr. William Ruto.
Prof. Mutisya said the charter gives the institution authority to run it activities independently, adding admissions are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of the coming Financial Year.
The first cohort, he added, would include 110 Master’s students and 24 PhD candidates who will focus on specialized post graduate STEM education.
“This university will target a small number of outstanding students in Kenya and abroad, who will drive Kenya’s Industrial development as we plan to gradually expand enrollment in subsequent years,” added Prof Mutisya.
He pointed out that KAIST will initially offer programs in ICT engineering covering artificial intelligence, robotics and cybersecurity and agricultural biotechnology, focusing on food science and crop production.
Further he disclosed that all admitted students will receive full scholarships to allow them to focus entirely on studies and research, adding their innovations would be commercialized and help grow industries.
He added that they are collaborating with various elite partners from all over the world to help in fostering innovations and advancing academic relevance.
“We are working with partners from universities and industries all over the world to push Kenya to be a first world country and ensure that our scholars gain skills to compete with powerhouses like South Korea, Singapore, and some European countries,” noted Prof. Mutisya.
On his part, Seo Hwang – Vice president, Korea Eximbank, said the institution’s partnerships with universities and industries in Kenya, South Korea, China, and Sweden, among others, will ensure global standards.
On his part, Prof. Gateru – Vice Chancellor, Riara University said the charter award marks the beginning of a new chapter for Kenya’s higher education, with KAIST envisioned as a specialized university of the future that will drive modernization and industrial growth which aligns with vision 2030 and Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
KAIST was established in 2021 and situates on 36 acres in Konza City. Its development was through a partnership project between Kenya and South Korea, aimed at meeting a shortage of highly skilled engineers and scientists to drive Kenya into industrialization by 2030.
By Anne Kangero
