Implementing an Institutional Transformation in Science and Engineering

The University of Nairobi example

Abstract

Ten years ago, the University of Nairobi (UoN) in Kenya entered in a transformative reflexion to reform Engineering and Science Higher Education, Research and Innovation (HERI). Few years later, a concrete project emerged with the construction of a state-of-the-art academic building aiming at facilitating HERI by its own design, the Engineering and Science Complex (ESC), and the development of international cooperation, especially with French institutions and partners from Europe. 

Six pillars of activities have been structured and launched in 2023 with six dedicated teams, mostly from the Faculty of Science and Technology (FoST) and the Faculty of Engineering (FoE): Governance, Curricula reform, Research excellence, Innovation culture, Company linkage and Internationalization. 

This work-in-progress has been presented at IRSPBL2023 and is now in its implementation stage. New practices, key actions and capacity building per pillar are developed with strategic roadmaps, milestones and deliverables, learning and training programs, student and staff mobility, etc. The authors showcase concrete examples from each pillar and expose the key concept of international multi-disciplinary “Communities of Excellence” of the ESC. They emphasize the importance of international networks and partnerships, such as the AFRETEC network and the EU Global Gateway program, and share challenges and lessons learned.