President William Ruto has challenged institutions of higher learning across the country to explore partnerships and collaborations that can help in raising funds for education and research.

The president said innovations at institutions of higher learning are a sure way of equipping the youth with knowledge, skills and income generating ventures through the digital economy.

According to the President, this can only be achieved if universities invest in their assets such as research and training.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi on Monday November 25, 2024 during the launch of Nairobi University Silicon Savanah Innovation Park, President Ruto said his government is focusing on sectors that are intentional about creating jobs for young people such as housing, labour export and digital technology.

“The University of Nairobi’s Silicon Savannah Innovation Park positions Kenya as a global hub for technology and innovation. 

“This transformative initiative aligns with the government’s digital jobs agenda to combat unemployment, equip our youth with the right skills and, therefore, drive inclusive economic growth,” said President Ruto.

While acknowledging that more than half of young people who complete university education are unemployed, the President highlighted that this transformative initiative aligns with the government’s digital jobs agenda to combat unemployment.

He also pointed out that the innovation park aligns the country as a global hub for technology and innovation as well as a path to actively participate in the 5th Industrial Revolution.

At the same time, French Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships Thani Mohamed Soilih lauded the partnership between Kenya and France, adding that this is the largest investment by the French government to higher education and research in Africa at a tune of 35 million euros (Ksh4.7 billion).

Soilih emphasized the need for more Public Private Partnerships in such projects in order to unlock the potential in institutions of learning.

Meanwhile, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said the project will create an incubator for innovators, innovations, and donors.

University of Nairobi Chancellor Professor Patrick Verkooijen defined this project as a game changer in youth employment through research and innovation hubs.

Professor Verkooijen however decried insufficient human resources and staff remuneration as major challenges to the institution in advancing to the next level academically.

He committed that this project is a path for the institution to regain its glory and rankings globally.