Kenya’s higher education sector is poised for a major overhaul following the approval of a $73.3 million (KSh 9.4 billion) loan from the African Development Fund (ADF) to enhance science, technology, and innovation across 19 public universities.
The funding, announced by the African Development Bank (AfDB), marks the launch of HEST II, the second phase of the Support to Higher Education, Science and Technology Project—an ambitious initiative designed to modernise university infrastructure, strengthen STEM programs, and open new pathways for young researchers and innovators.
Under the new investment, universities will receive state-of-the-art laboratories, upgraded digital learning platforms, and advanced teaching equipment. The project will also establish three engineering centres of excellence and a science and technology park, envisioned as collaborative spaces where students, faculty, and industry partners can develop prototypes, test emerging technologies, and drive innovation.
HEST II will support scholarships for 103 university lecturers, staff retraining aligned with emerging technologies, and the rollout of a competency-based education framework to enhance graduate employability.
“Education remains the surest path to a better life,” said Hendrina Doroba, AfDB’s Education and Skills Development Division Manager. “We’re helping Kenya’s young people gain the skills that employers need today — and the confidence to create their own jobs tomorrow.”
A major component of the project focuses on youth entrepreneurship. More than 100 youth-led start-ups are expected to benefit from new incubation hubs offering mentorship, technical guidance, and access to early-stage funding.
By 2030, HEST II is expected to reach over 20,000 students, including 8,000 women, and generate approximately 5,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The new phase builds on gains from the first HEST project, which upgraded facilities in eight public universities and strengthened engineering education nationwide. HEST II expands that impact, supporting regional inclusion and aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, both of which prioritise science, technology, and innovation as drivers of economic growth.
For the African Development Bank, the initiative is part of a broader effort to equip Africa’s youth with the skills needed for the continent’s transition to a knowledge-driven economy.
Article by RB Reporter
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