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.
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
- 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.
Projected Impact
Served within 10 years
Employability rate
Global
Competitiveness
For Kenya
Frequently Asked Questions
When will construction of the KOB STEM Complex be complete?
The project completion date is planned for early 2028.
What academic programs are offered in the STEM complex?
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.
How will industry tbe engaged ?
With dedicated maker spaces, industry andf academia will jointly address business and societal challenges.
Can I be able to pledge a donation for the complex ?
Yes, donations can be made in gradual steps.
