Engineering and Science Complex: Milestones and Key Achievements
- UoN and ParisTech Partners Advanced ESC Implementation Through Strategic Collaboration
The journey toward establishing the University of Nairobi’s Engineering and Science Complex (ESC) has been anchored on strong international collaboration. The ESC partners, including the ParisTech schools—AgroParisTech, Chimie ParisTech–PSL, École des Ponts ParisTech, Mines Paris–PSL, and CentraleSupélec—undertook their first mission to Nairobi in July 2019, setting the stage for long-term cooperation.
This engagement was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2020, which outlined the framework for joint initiatives in research, innovation, and academic exchange. The partnership was further strengthened during the Tripartite Agreement ceremony held in Paris on May 11, 2023, a landmark moment that officially launched the collaborative implementation of the ESC.
Kenyan Ambassador to France HE Prof Judy Wakhungu, UoN management led by the VC, Prof Stephen Kiama and ParisTech members during the Tripartite Partnership Agreement Signing Ceremony in Paris, France.
- University of Nairobi Convened Tripartite Partnership Agreement Kick-Off Meeting
Monday, July 3, 2023, The University of Nairobi, together with its distinguished French partners—AgroParisTech-Université Paris Saclay, Centrale-Supélec-Université Paris Saclay, Chimie ParisTech-Université Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL), École des Ponts ParisTech, and Mines Paris-Université Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL)— convened for the official Tripartite Partnership Agreement (TPA) Kick-Off Meeting for the transformative Engineering and Science Complex (ESC).
The ceremony marked a major milestone in advancing the ESC, a world-class facility envisioned to strengthen industry–academia collaboration, spur innovation, and build skills for the future of engineering, science, and technology. A highlight of the event was the signing of a strategic agreement with Bureau Veritas, recognized as the first industry partner under the ESC initiative.
Prof. Margaret Hutchinson (former DVC RIE and current VC), Prof Julius Ogeng'o (Former UoN DVC AA), Mr. Brian Ouma (UoN Advancement Director) and Arnaud Suquet (French Ambassador to Kenya), Witnessing the highlight of the day, the signing of a collaboration agreement between Bureau Veritas and UoN.
Group discussions at Chiromo Campus involving UoN faculty and French partner institutions, focusing on Research & Innovation as well as Curriculum Development & Internationalization.
- Engineering and Science Complex Roadmap Workshop Charted Path to Implementation
DVC RIE, DVC AA, and Director University Advancement pose for a group photo with all participants of the ESC Roadmapping Workshop at Travelers Beach Hotel, Mombasa.
The Engineering and Science Complex (ESC) Project advanced a key milestone through a three-day roadmap workshop held from 28–30 May 2025 in Mombasa. Organized by the Directorate of University Advancement and Institutional Development, the workshop brought together close to 80 participants drawn from the five ESC pillars—Research, Innovation, Industry–Academia Collaboration, Internationalization, and Building. Senior University leadership, including the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellors, and director of University Advancement, graced the event.
The workshop served as an inception platform to deepen collective understanding of the ESC’s vision and formulate detailed objectives, roadmaps, and budgets for each pillar. In his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs highlighted the ESC’s transformative role in fostering interdisciplinary education, flexible learning pathways, and cutting-edge research. The Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Enterprise underscored the ESC’s potential as a regional hub for advanced research, entrepreneurship, and international collaboration.
The director University Advancement recapped the journey of developing the proposal and securing support from French partners. He emphasized the critical role of resource mobilization and team commitment in driving the project forward.
This workshop marked a significant step in positioning the University of Nairobi as a leader in science, engineering, and innovation.
- Stakeholders Assessed Progress at ESC Mid-Term Review Workshop
The University of Nairobi on November 28, 2024, convened the Mid-Term Review Workshop for the Engineering and Science Complex (ESC) at UoN Towers, bringing together government, development partners, and University leadership to assess progress on the landmark project.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the French Development Agency (AFD), the National Treasury, the Ministry of Education, senior University officials, and members of the five ESC pillars. The review offered a platform to take stock of achievements, strengthen synergies, and refine strategies to ensure smooth implementation.
Each ESC pillar—Research, Innovation, Industry–Academia Collaboration, Internationalization, and Building Infrastructure—presented updates on milestones reached since the project’s launch. Stakeholders noted strong progress while underscoring the need for sustained collaboration and resource mobilization to deliver on the ESC’s transformative vision.
