President William Ruto has launched the KSh 4.7 billion ($31.6 million) University of Nairobi Silicon Savannah Innovation Park to foster research and innovation, with support from the French government.
(Nairobi) – President William Ruto on Monday inaugurated the University of Nairobi’s Silicon Savannah Innovation Park, an ambitious KSh 4.7 billion ($31.6 million) project designed to transform Kenya into a global leader in technology and innovation. The launch took place at State House, Nairobi, and marks a key milestone in the government’s Vision 2030 agenda and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
The Silicon Savannah Innovation Park is part of a larger initiative by the University of Nairobi, dubbed the “Big 5” projects, aimed at revolutionizing higher education and positioning Kenya as a hub for advanced research and industrialization. Supported by funding from the French government, the park will focus on artificial intelligence (AI), green engineering, and advanced manufacturing, among other cutting-edge fields.
President Ruto emphasized the park’s role in shaping Kenya’s future as a leader in the 5th Industrial Revolution. Addressing the youth, he urged them to embrace the opportunities the park will offer.
“This is your platform to define Kenya’s digital economy. It’s more than an infrastructure project—it’s an investment in our people, our future, and our place in the global economy,” President Ruto said.
The president underscored that the park would provide a platform for creativity and innovation, linking Kenya’s youth to opportunities that will reshape the nation’s economic landscape. He added that the project symbolizes Kenya’s ambition not just to participate in the 5th Industrial Revolution but to lead it.
Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Migos Ogamba hailed the park as the beginning of a transformative era for the University of Nairobi, spearheaded by Chancellor Prof. Patrick Verkooijen. He highlighted the role of the “Big 5” pillars in preparing the university for a resilient, sustainable future.
“This park solidifies the University of Nairobi’s position as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. It embodies our vision for tertiary education in Kenya,” said Mr. Ogamba.
French Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships, Thani Mohamed Soilihi, who attended the launch, praised the collaboration between France and Kenya.
“The Engineering and Science Complex represents a shared vision for a future driven by knowledge and excellence in the Silicon Savannah,” Mr. Soilihi said.
Prof. Verkooijen described the Silicon Savannah Innovation Park as the heart of efforts to unlock Africa’s potential through collaboration, technology, and knowledge. He reiterated the university’s commitment to creating a transformative education ecosystem.
The park is just one of several initiatives under the university’s “Big 5” strategy to revolutionize education. Other projects include:
| Project Name | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Nairobi School of AI | Developing top-tier AI talent |
| Africa Leadership Institute | Training East African public sector leaders |
| Kenya Green Jobs Centre | Promoting sustainable employment opportunities |
| Nairobi Advanced Health Research Programme | Scaling research in vaccine development, clinical trials, and biotechnology |