KAIST Set to Recruit Top Scholars as Kenya Unveils High-Tech University Vision

By Virginia Siebella.

The newly chartered Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) is set to begin recruiting outstanding professors and top-performing students, with the first intake expected to comprise about 110 Master’s students and 24 PhD candidates.

Speaking during celebrations held after President William Ruto officially awarded the institution its charter, KAIST Council Chair Professor Emmanuel Mutisya announced that admissions will commence in the first quarter of the next financial year.

Professor Mutisya said all students admitted to the institution will receive full scholarships to enable them to focus entirely on academic work and research.

“We want every student and researcher to dedicate their time to innovations that we will commercialize to grow industries and drive Kenya’s industrial development,” he said.

The university will initially roll out programmes in ICT engineering, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity, alongside agricultural biotechnology courses focusing on food science and crop production.

Mutisya noted that KAIST will begin by admitting a limited number of highly talented students drawn from Kenya and abroad, with plans to gradually expand enrollment in the coming years.

The institution is also expected to benefit from international collaborations aimed at maintaining global academic and research standards. Korea Eximbank Vice President Mr. Seo Hwang said partnerships with universities and industries in Kenya, South Korea, China, and Sweden would position KAIST as a globally competitive institution.

Korea Eximbank Vice President Seo Hwang said the strategic collaborations would strengthen research, innovation, and knowledge exchange across borders.

Riara University Vice Chancellor Professor Gateru described the charter award as the beginning of a transformative era in Kenya’s higher education sector. He said KAIST is envisioned as a specialized university of the future that will accelerate modernization and industrial growth.

Riara University Vice Chancellor Prof. Gateru said the institution would play a critical role in nurturing cutting-edge research and technological advancement.

Telkom Kenya Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mugo Kibati termed the launch a realization of the aspirations outlined in Kenya’s Vision 2030 development blueprint.

Meanwhile, KoTDA Director Mr. Peter Muchendu said the programmes offered at KAIST are tailored to support Kenya’s digital transformation agenda while strengthening food security through innovation and scientific research.

The establishment of KAIST is expected to position Kenya as a regional hub for advanced science, technology, and industrial innovation