There are moments when the future of a nation is imagined through the quiet conviction of those willing to invest in it. On such a moment, the Merali Family, through the Zarina & Naushad Foundation, committed Kshs. 80 million towards the development of the Kevin O’Byrne STEM Complex at Strathmore University, a facility envisioned to reshape science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education across Africa.
The contribution, announced during a handover ceremony at the university on May 13, 2025, marks another significant milestone in the realization of the flagship Kshs. 2.75 billion STEM Complex, a project designed to position Africa’s next generation of innovators, engineers, researchers, and problem-solvers at the center of global transformation.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mrs. Zarina Merali said the family strongly believes the facility will have a lasting impact on Kenya’s social and economic development.
“The STEM facility will help drive economic growth, create employment opportunities and contribute meaningfully to increased incomes and national prosperity,” she said.
Accompanying his mother, Sameer Naushad Merali reflected on the growing importance of STEM disciplines in shaping the future of industries and societies worldwide.
“STEM has become the future of many areas and integral in the growth of many sectors,” he said, adding that he hopes the project “will transform and open doors to many young deserving students.”
The occasion also carried a personal significance for the family, as they paid tribute to the late industrialist Dr. Naushad Merali, whose relationship with Strathmore University stretched across decades through leadership development and executive training programmes that benefited many members of the Sameer Group’s management and board.
“We are deeply honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the auditorium, which will bear the name of my late husband, Dr. Naushad Merali,” said Mrs. Merali. “This is a tribute that is very close to our hearts.”
Receiving the family, Strathmore University Council Chair, Mrs. Bernadette Musundi, described the donation as more than financial support, calling it a profound vote of confidence in the future of African talent and innovation.
“This contribution demonstrates faith in the next generation of African scientists, engineers, innovators, researchers, and problem-solvers,” she said.
Echoing Sameer Merali’s sentiments, Mrs. Musundi noted that in a rapidly evolving world, STEM is no longer optional to development but foundational to economic growth, healthcare innovation, food security, climate resilience, industrialisation, digital transformation, and global competitiveness.
“The importance attached to investment in STEM and contributions like this cannot be overstated. What many young people need is an enabling environment that inspires learning, experimentation, collaboration, and discovery,” she said.
For the Vice Chancellor, Dr. Vincent Ogutu, the moment also reflected the convergence of legacy and vision. The Vice Chancellor explained that the complex was named after Kevin O’Byrne in honour of a man whose contribution to engineering and mentorship left an enduring mark on Kenya.
“Kevin O’Byrne was an engineer, and a good one for that matter, who mentored many engineers in Kenya,” said Dr. Ogutu. “To honour his legacy, the building will be a living lab, a place to inspire people. In the same breadth, I am glad that this project will carry your legacy as the Merali family, and I thank you for being part of this journey.”
Delivering the vote of thanks, Strathmore University Foundation Board Chair Zephaniah Gitau Mbugua reflected fondly on his relationship with the late Dr. Merali, remembering him as a generous and visionary leader whose impact extended far beyond business.
“The leadership and the university at large are passionate in what we do, and I am glad we are doing this project for posterity and the good of society,” said Mr. Mbugua.
Strathmore University officially broke ground on the Kevin O’Byrne STEM Complex on March 24, 2026, under the theme The Next Frontier: STEM and Africa’s Future. Once complete, the facility will host the School of Computing and Engineering Sciences and the Strathmore Institute of Mathematical Sciences, providing advanced laboratories, collaborative innovation spaces, and industry-linked research platforms.
The university envisions the STEM Complex as a living ecosystem where ideas will be tested, industries reimagined, and solutions developed for some of Africa’s most pressing challenges.
And now, etched into that vision, will stand the enduring legacy of a family that chose to invest in the possibilities of generations yet to come.
Article written by Stephen Wakhu
