President William Ruto has joined forces with the University of Nairobi (UoN) and France’s Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships, Hon. Thani Mohamed Soilihi, to announce the groundbreaking Silicon Savannah Innovation Park initiative.
This transformative project announced at the state house begins with the construction of a state-of-the-art Engineering and Science Complex (ESC), marking a significant milestone for higher education, research, and innovation in Kenya and Africa.
With an investment of €35 million (Sh4.7bn), France’s largest higher education contribution to Sub-Saharan Africa, the ESC is a pivotal part of UoN’s transformative Big 5 Agenda, championed by the University’s Chancellor, Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen.
The initiative strengthens UoN’s position as a global leader in science, technology, engineering, and sustainability while aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030 to foster industrialization and economic transformation.
The ESC will be situated at Chiromo Campus, Nairobi, serving as the cornerstone of the Silicon Savannah Innovation Park, which integrates seamlessly into Kenya’s technological landscape, including the Konza Technopolis, the nation’s first smart city.
Transforming Education and Innovation for a Sustainable Future
The ESC is more than an academic facility – it is a complete innovation ecosystem.
By combining cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research with collaboration among academia, industry, and government, it aims to address critical societal challenges and empower Kenya’s technological advancement.
The Complex will focus on research and industry-aligned curricula in areas such as:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Health Technology
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Green and Blue Engineering
- Smart Urban Planning
Special emphasis will be placed on empowering women in STEM, furthering equity in education and innovation. Designed with sustainability at its core, the ESC adheres to environmental certifications and reflects Kenya and France’s commitment to the 2015 Paris Agreement.
Speaking at the event, President Ruto highlighted the initiative’s transformative potential stating: “I am encouraged by the ambition of the Big 5 initiatives, spearheaded by the visionary leadership of Professor Patrick Verkooijen, Chancellor of the University of Nairobi. My administration fully supports his leadership in transforming this institution into Africa’s digital innovation centerpiece. The Silicon Savannah Innovation Park is more than an infrastructure project – it is an investment in our people, our future, and our standing. Kenya will not only participate in the fifth industrial revolution, we will lead it.”
Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education, Julius Migos Ogamba, stated: “This Engineering and Science Complex marks the beginning of a transformative journey for the University of Nairobi under the Chancellor’s leadership. The Silicon Savannah Innovation Park will establish UoN as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, embodying what we envision for tertiary education in Kenya.”
Representing the French government, Hon. Thani Mohamed Soilihi, shared: “France is proud to stand with Kenya in advancing higher education, innovation, and sustainability. This initiative, supported by President Macron, is a testament to our shared vision for a future driven by knowledge and collaboration in the Silicon Savannah.”
Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen, Chancellor of UoN, emphasized: “The Engineering and Science Complex is the cornerstone of our Big 5 Agenda, making UoN a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and AI. The Silicon Savannah Innovation Park is not just infrastructure; it is a movement unlocking Africa’s potential through knowledge, technology, and collaboration.”
Building the Future Together
The Silicon Savannah Innovation Park represents a bold leap forward for Kenya’s role in the global technological revolution.
By integrating international partnerships, sustainable practices, and academic excellence, it promises to create opportunities for a resilient, equitable future.
This initiative sets the stage for Kenya to become a leader in the fifth industrial revolution, creating a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.