President William Ruto on Monday officially launched the University of Nairobi Silicon Savannah Innovation Park at State House, Nairobi.
The park, part of the larger Silicon Savannah initiative, is designed to be a hub for cutting-edge research and innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, green engineering and advanced manufacturing.
The Sh4.7 billion (€35 million) is one of the planned five new and major projects to transform the university, dubbed the “Big 5” initiatives and has benefited from investment by the Government of France.
The university has positioned the innovation park as a hub to turn youthful creativity into opportunities for future industrialisation.
In his speech at the launch, President Ruto urged the youth to embrace opportunities created by the government, saying that the project is an investment in the future of Kenya's youth.
"I also have a message for the youth of Kenya: Your government is shaping the future, working for you and providing opportunities for you to learn, work, create and innovate a way forward for yourself and for Kenya.
The Silicon Savannah Innovation Park is your platform to define the future of Kenya's digital economy," said President Ruto.
He added that the innovation park positions Kenya as a global hub for technology and innovation, and that Kenya is keen to actively participate in the 5th Industrial Revolution.
“The Silicon Savannah Innovation Park is more than an infrastructure project; it is an investment in our people, our future, and our global standing. Our message is clear: Kenya will not merely participate in the 5th Industrial Revolution; we will lead it. Let us seize this defining moment to turn our vision into a legacy of inclusive transformation that endures for generations,” he said.
He also stressed that the park is a critical step towards achieving Kenya's Vision 2030 and Africa's Agenda 2063.
“Our youth represent Africa’s most valuable resource, a boundless reservoir of energy, creativity, and ambition. This project is not just about creating jobs; it is about reshaping Kenya’s economic DNA. By anchoring a robust technology and innovation ecosystem within a leading institution of higher learning, we strengthen linkages with industry and forge partnerships regionally and globally,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Migos Ogamba, said the launch of the Engineering and Science complex marks the beginning of a transformative set of initiatives being spearheaded by the chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Prof Patrick Verkooijen who also attended the function.
“This innovation park will seek to consolidate the University of Nairobi’s place as a leading innovator and a hub of entrepreneurship. The Big 5 pillars that the chancellor is spearheading will transform the university into a fit-for-purpose institution for a resilient and sustainable future. This transformative agenda embodies what we envision for tertiary education in Kenya,” said Mr Ogamba.
French Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships Thani Mohamed Soilihi represented the Government of France at the launch.
“The Engineering and Science Complex is a testament to our shared vision for a future driven by knowledge, collaboration, and excellence in the Silicon Savannah,” Mr Soilihi said.
Prof Verkooijen said the Silicon Savannah Innovation Park is the heart of a movement to unlock Africa’s potential through knowledge, technology, and collaboration.
In May, the institution unveiled five major initiatives to transform higher education in Kenya including the Silicon Savannah hub and the Kenya Green Jobs Centre.
Others are the Nairobi School of AI to develop top-tier AI talent, the Africa Leadership Institute to train the next generation of East African leaders in the public sector and the Nairobi Advanced Health Research Programme to scale the University’s lab and research capabilities in support of vaccine development, clinical trials, and biotech.
