University of Nairobi Signs Architectural Design Contract for Engineering and Science Complex
The Engineering and Science Complex (ESC) is a KSh 4.5 billion (35 million Euros) flagship project of the University of Nairobi, funded the French Development Agency (AFD) and supported by the Governments of Kenya and France. The concept was initiated in 2015 when AFD invited higher education institutions to submit proposals for infrastructure development in science, technology, and innovation.
The project gained significant momentum in March 2019 with the signing of a Letter of Intent during the first State visit of President Emmanuel Macron. Further progress was achieved in October 2021 through the signing of credit and grant agreements. In 2022, subsidiary agreements between the University of Nairobi, the Ministry of Education, and the National Treasury established the financial and legal framework for implementation.
After 3 years of development and technical studies, including academic cooperation with partnering French Higher Education institutions1, the architectural design has been awarded to Scope Design Systems through an international competition in December 2025. A legally binding contract is now ready and announces the Africa Forward Summit for the second State visit of President Emmanuel Macron to be open 11th of May.
Signing of the Architectural Design Contract
The University of Nairobi today hosted the official signing ceremony of the Architectural Design Contract for the ESC. The event was held at the University and witnessed by the University Chancellor, the French Ambassador to Kenya, the AFD Director, the Vice-Chancellor, and members of the University’s top management.
Strategic Importance of the Project
The ESC is designed to strengthen the University’s capacity in education, research, innovation, and advanced training in engineering and science Communities of Excellence in innovation, Data/AI, green energy, sustainable chemistry, agriculture and food, Health, advanced manufacturing and urban development. The communities will foster interdisciplinary collaboration, enhance industry linkages, and support the development of innovative solutions to national and regional challenges.
Remarks during the signing occasion
The Chancellor described the signing as a historic milestone for the University of Nairobi and Kenya at large. He noted that the project will create high-end jobs, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and build a sustainable pathway for solutions-driven development. He commended all teams involved for their dedication and hard work throughout the project journey. He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to deliver timely and qualitatively the building for an early entry in the next academic year.
The French Ambassador appreciated the great efforts and collaboration demonstrated by all teams involved in advancing the project. He assured continued support from the French Government and encouraged all stakeholders to deepen collaboration, noting that this is the right time to catalyze implementation phase. He further emphasized that sustained teamwork and partnership will be critical to the successful delivery of the Engineering and Science Complex.
The AFD Country Director reaffirmed her institution’s continued support and partnership, highlighting the project’s alignment with broader objectives of strengthening higher education infrastructure and innovation capacity in Africa.
Next Steps
With the signing of the design contract, the project now proceeds to the detailed design phase, which will inform the procurement of the contractor for the Engineering and Science Complex building based in Chiromo Campus.
1 Université Paris-Saclay, CentraleSupélec, AgroParisTech, ChimieParisTech – PSL, Mines Paris – PSL, Ecole des Ponts - IPP
