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Inside Strathmore’s Kshs. 2B Push for STEM Talent

In a bold statement that Africa’s future will be shaped by technology rather than traditional industry alone, Strathmore University has broken ground on the Kevin O’Byrne STEM Complex, a flagship Kshs. 2.75 billion investment set to transform STEM education, research, and innovation across the continent.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Tuesday, 24th March 2026, brought together leaders from academia, industry, government and policy under the theme “STEM as the Next Frontier in Africa’s Future” to explore how Africa can prepare and position its next generation of STEM talent.

As global economies rapidly evolve through artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven systems, the demand for STEM talent continues to grow. Yet Africa still faces a significant gap, with fewer than a quarter of higher education students pursuing STEM disciplines.

The Kevin O’Byrne STEM Complex is designed to address this gap by creating a world-class ecosystem for learning, research, and innovation, enabling students to develop solutions to real-world challenges across sectors such as energy, health, finance, and infrastructure.

“The most competitive economies are built on strong STEM foundations, where research, industry, and talent development work together to drive innovation and growth,” noted Kihara Maina, Regional CEO of I&M Bank Group. “For Africa, investing in STEM is not optional. It is essential to build the skills, industries, and digital infrastructure that will define our economic future.”

By bringing together academia, industry, and global partners, the Complex will accelerate the translation of knowledge into practical solutions that address real-world challenges across sectors such as energy, healthcare, finance, and infrastructure.

“As industry, we have a responsibility to partner with institutions like Strathmore University to nurture this talent and ensure that innovation translates into real opportunity and shared prosperity,” said Mr. Kihara.

Strathmore breaks ground for the Kshs 2 Billion Kevin O’Bryne STEM Complex to Build Kenya’s Next Generation of STEM Professionals

For Strathmore’s leadership, the project is both strategic and deeply intentional.

“With the Kevin O’Byrne STEM Complex, we are positioning ourselves at the forefront of Africa’s STEM future, not as spectators, but as builders shaping the ideas, innovations, and talent that will define the continent’s next chapter,” said Rev. Dr. Silvano Ochuodho, Pro Chancellor, Strathmore University.

The Complex is named in honour of the late Eng. Kevin O’Byrne, a pioneering engineer and one of the founding figures behind Strathmore. Born in Ireland in 1934, O’Byrne moved to Kenya in 1958 and played a central role in establishing what would become Strathmore University. As a structural engineer and educator, he contributed not only to the physical development of the institution but also to its academic foundation, teaching mathematics and shaping generations of students. His work across East Africa left a lasting imprint on both the built environment and the intellectual life of the region.

For Vice Chancellor Dr. Vincent Ogutu, the Complex carries a deeply personal meaning.

“This is very personal. I am paying homage to Kevin O’Byrne, who I owe my career to. He was a really good engineer, and it is an honour to have a building in his name,” he reflected.

Dr. Ogutu’s remarks underscored the enduring influence of O’Byrne as a builder of people. In honouring his legacy, the University is reaffirming its commitment to forming graduates who combine technical excellence with integrity and purpose.

The facility will host the School of Computing and Engineering Sciences (SCES) and the Strathmore Institute of Mathematical Sciences (SIMS), creating a shared hub for interdisciplinary learning and innovation.

The groundbreaking marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to building Africa’s knowledge economy. As Strathmore takes this bold step, the Kevin O’Byrne STEM Complex stands as both a symbol of ambition and a call to action, inviting partners across sectors to invest in the future of STEM and unlock the continent’s full potential.

Article written by Stephen Wakhu

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SUF Director

Christine Ochieng

Strathmore Foundation

As the Strathmore University Foundation marks ten years of advancing access to transformative education, we are grateful to everyone who has believed in our work and shared in our vision. To our donors, partners, sponsors, volunteers, alumni and wider community, thank you for the trust you have placed in us. Your generosity and commitment continue to open doors for students, strengthen our institution and create opportunities for lasting social impact.

Our first decade has reinforced the importance of working together towards a shared purpose. We recognise that expanding access to education, advancing research and supporting community development require sustained collaboration across sectors. By bringing together individuals, businesses, philanthropic organisations, academic institutions and development partners, we can mobilise the resources, knowledge and expertise needed to respond to society’s evolving needs and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

One of our most significant priorities is the Kevin O’Byrne (KOB) STEM Complex, a landmark investment in the future of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in Africa. Named in honour of a pioneering engineer, educator and founding figure of Strathmore, the Complex will provide an environment where talent can flourish, research can advance and innovation can address real-world challenges. The groundbreaking of the Complex in March 2026 marked an important milestone in this journey. We invite individuals, families, alumni, corporates, foundations and institutions to join us in bringing this vision to life. Every contribution counts. Whether through a financial donation, a strategic partnership, technical expertise or other forms of support, each contribution brings us closer to creating opportunities for future generations.

We are equally grateful for the growing community that continues to rally behind our mission through the Strathmore Annual Run. This year, our sixth edition brought together over 3,083 runners, alongside 61 Corporates, united by a shared commitment to expanding access to education. Together, we raised KES 11 million, supporting scholarships, bursaries and our Endowment Fund. To every runner, corporate partner, sponsor, volunteer and supporter who made this possible, thank you for turning your participation into meaningful opportunities for students. Your continued support reminds us of the power of collective action and the difference we can make when we run for a common purpose. We look forward to welcoming you back on the track in 2027, as we continue running towards a future where every deserving student has the opportunity to access transformative education.

We also remain committed to building a community in which knowledge is shared, relationships are nurtured and partnerships deliver meaningful results. Our engagement with Prof. Africa of IESE Business School, through a masterclass on sustainable partnerships, reflects the importance of strengthening our collective capacity to build collaborations that endure and create shared value. We believe that effective partnerships extend beyond immediate needs; they bring people together around common goals and help create solutions that benefit institutions, communities and future generations.

Looking ahead, we invite you to remain part of the Strathmore University Foundation’s journey. Partner with us to expand access to education, strengthen research and innovation, support community initiatives and advance sustainable development. Together, we can turn shared aspirations into tangible outcomes and help build a future in which more people have the opportunity to learn, contribute and thrive.

Thank you for believing in our vision and walking alongside us. We look forward to deepening our partnerships and creating even greater impact in the years ahead.