KAIST: Kenya’s New Korean-Inspired College with Ksh730k Yearly Tuition
The Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) is nearing completion as a technology-focused university modeled after the prestigious Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in South Korea.
This project has received significant support from the South Korean government.
The primary objective of KAIST is to contribute to the advancement of science, technology, and innovation in Kenya.
The university plans to admit its first batch of students later this year and is expected to play a pivotal role in expediting the modernization and transformation of Kenyan society into a middle-income country by 2030.
The tuition fees for international students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at KAIST in South Korea amount to Ksh731,930 per year, while the fees for master’s programs range from Ksh2 million to Ksh2.7 million per year.
While KAIST’s establishment is a significant development, it also holds economic implications.
By attracting foreign investors and encouraging the establishment of tech industries in Kenya, the university aims to generate employment opportunities and boost the country’s economy.
The hope is that KAIST will facilitate the digital transformation of Kenya and contribute to its overall technological development.
To oversee the institution’s operations, the Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu recently established the first Council for the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.
The council consists of Prof. Emmanuel Mustisya as chairman and Prof. Washington O. Yotto, Dr. Collins. K. Tanui, Eng. Meshack Kidenda, and Purity Mureithi as members.
These esteemed individuals, each with their unique expertise and academic backgrounds, will serve a three-year term on the council.
Prof. Mustisya, the appointed chairman, is a Project Assistant Professor at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate Program in Sustainability Science, Global Leadership Initiative.
Additionally, he coordinates the Next Generation of Researchers Group.
Dr. Tanui, another council member, currently holds a research scholar position at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada.
Previously, he worked as a Post-doctoral Associate at the University of Maryland, College Park, USA.
Lastly, Prof. Yotto Ochieng serves as the Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in Positioning and Navigation Systems at Imperial College, London, while also being the Senior Security Science Fellow at the Institute for Security Science and Technology.
The establishment of KAIST and the formation of the council demonstrate the commitment of the Kenyan government to promote technological advancements and higher education in the country.
By partnering with the South Korean government and assembling a council of experts, Kenya aims to leverage the expertise and resources available to foster scientific and technological growth.
It is anticipated that KAIST will have a lasting impact on Kenya’s educational landscape and contribute significantly to its progress as a modern and prosperous nation.
KAIST: Kenya’s New Korean-Inspired College with Ksh730k Yearly Tuition
