Kenya Launches Historic Postgraduate University at Konza Technopolis

Kenya has formally established the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology as a specialised postgraduate university focused on science, technology and advanced research following the award of a charter by William Ruto.

The announcement was made during celebrations at Konza Technopolis, where the institution is based. Emmanuel Mutisya, chair of the university council, said the first intake of about 110 students will be admitted in the coming months. The students will pursue fully government-funded master’s degrees.

“We will be offering Masters and PhD programmes. This university is going to target the best students from across Kenya, Africa and the world,” Prof Mutisya said. 

He added that the scholarships are intended to allow students to concentrate on research and innovation. Kenya-AIST is modelled on Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, a leading institution in science and engineering education. 

The university was established in 2022 as a constituent college of Dedan Kimathi University of Science and Technology before becoming an independent institution.

Its programmes will cover fields including mechanical, electrical, civil and nuclear engineering, as well as robotics, artificial intelligence, cyber security, chemical engineering and agricultural biotechnology.

The institution aims to develop researchers and innovators whose work can be commercialised through partnerships with industry. Prof Mutisya said the university is already building links with universities and companies in countries including South Korea, China and Sweden.

The award of the charter forms part of Kenya’s wider effort to strengthen postgraduate education and research capacity. The university will focus on small, highly selective student cohorts with the aim of producing graduates equipped to support industrial and technological development.