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The Kevin O’Byrne STEM Complex

The Kevin O’Byrne STEM Complex

Developing Future-ready Talent

The Gap

African governments have recognized the crucial role of STEM education in addressing pressing issues such as unemployment, climate change, disease, food security and governance. As outlined in Africa’s Agenda 2063, “science, technology and innovation” are acknowledged as essential enablers and drivers for achieving the continent’s development goals.

The UNESECO Science Report 2021 states that less than 25% of higher-education students in Africa pursue STEM disciplines while fewer than 30% of STEM students are women. Despite Africa having the fastest-growing youth population globally, STEM enrolment is still below global averages with limited postgraduate and doctoral STEM capacity.

The Plan

Strathmore University is taking a proactive approach to address the challenges of STEM education in Africa. The Kevin O’Byrne STEM complex will be critical in strengthening human capital, enhancing innovation capacity, and prompting long-term competitiveness.

The project is named in honour of Kevin O’Byrne, a distinguished engineer and founding leader of Strathmore University, whose life embodied excellence in engineering education, ethical leadership, and global partnership.

The Proof

As of 2025, the School of Computing and Engineering Sciences (SCES) has over 2500 students, with 41% female while the Strathmore Institute of Mathematical Sciences (SIMS) has slightly over 1000 students with 57% being female. The STEM project will help SCES students focus on emerging fields like artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics.

Example of Student innovation: Additional STEM initiatives include the:

Be part of the foundation

The Ask

Infrastructure

The Kevin O’Byrne STEM Complex is projected to cost $20M. It will feature state of the art facilities, equipment, maker spacers, specialised laboratories all desired around the concept of the campus as a living lab.

Partnership Options

PLATINUM: Cost (KES): 60M
Available Spaces; Specialized Labs, Computing Labs, and Makerspaces

GOLD Cost (KES): 40M
Available Spaces; Conference Room

SILVER Cost (KES): 20M
Available Spaces; Lecture Theatres, Elec Lab, Civil Lab, and Mech Lab

BRONZE Cost (KES): 10M
Available Spaces; Meeting Rooms and Huddle Rooms

Partnership Benefits:

  • Facility naming.
  • Facility branding.
  • Invitation to exclusive events
  • Invitation of partners and senior leaders as guest speakers.
  • Priority graduate students recruitment.
  • To discuss partnership options contact.

Contact:
The Executive Director
Strathmore University Foundation
Email: sufexecutivedirector@strathmore.edu

STEM Endowment Fund

Complementing the $20M STEM Complex is a $10M STEM Endowment Fund which will support STEM related scholarships, research and innovation activities. The Endowment fund is a sustainable source of support for scholarships and research, giving continuity to needed funding over time. Merit and need based scholarships will ensure that qualified applicants have access to Strathmore’s STEM Programs for the long-term. The Endowment Fund is governed by Strathmore University.
Minimum Contribution: Kshs. 5,000,000 to establish a named fund. Instalment payments are welcome.

Donate

1.Banking Details:

Strathmore University Foundation
Account Name: Strathmore University Foundation
Bank: Citi
Swift: CITIKENAXXX
Kenya Shilling Account: 104386143
US Dollar Account: 104386154
Euro Account: 104386161

Other Ways To Donate

Donations Through Association For Cultural Interchange: https://www.culturalinterchange.org/portfolio-item/strathmore-university-stem-complex/ How to contribute:
  • By Check payable to “ACI, Inc.”, memo: “KOB STEM Complex”, and mailed to Association for Cultural Interchange, Inc. 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 300 New York, NY 10170
  • Or Email us at info@culturalinterchange.org for instructions about sending a wire transfer or other forms of payment.
The Association for Cultural Interchange, Inc. is a US based non-profit corporation, founded in 1958, which is exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Projected Impact

Learners
0 +

Served within 10 years

Graduate
0 %+

Employability rate

 

Global

Competitiveness

For Kenya

Frequently Asked Questions

The project completion date is planned for early 2028.

The School of Computing and Engineering Sciences (www.sces.strathmore.edu) and the Strathmore Institute of Mathematical Sciences (www.sims.strathmore.edu) will offer a range of courses and collaborate with the industry.

With dedicated maker spaces, industry andf academia will jointly address business and societal challenges.

Yes, donations can be made in gradual steps.

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.