Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) has secured a KSh 870 million grant from the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Higher Education in Technology Support (HETS) Programme – Phase II to establish a Centre of Excellence in Electrical Engineering. The grant marks a significant milestone in the University’s efforts to strengthen science, technology, and engineering education while supporting national and regional development priorities.

The funding agreement was signed at the Ministry of Education during a ceremony officiated by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba. The project will be implemented through the Government of Kenya, underscoring the Government’s commitment to enhancing higher education capacity and promoting skills-based training to support industrial growth.

The Centre of Excellence will be the first of its kind in East and Central Africa and is expected to position MUST as a regional hub for advanced training, research, and innovation in electrical engineering. The Centre will offer academic programmes from Diploma and Undergraduate levels to Master’s and Doctoral studies, providing a comprehensive pathway for skills development and professional advancement.

In addition to academic training, the Centre will promote applied research, innovation, and strong collaboration with industry and development partners. These partnerships will enhance technology transfer, encourage problem-driven research, and ensure that training programmes are aligned with current and emerging industry needs.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, MUST Vice-Chancellor Prof. Romanus Odhiambo noted that the initiative aligns with Kenya’s national agenda on skills development, innovation, and industrialization. He emphasized that the Centre will play a key role in addressing critical skills gaps in the electrical engineering sector and producing highly competent graduates to support national development.

The establishment of the Centre of Excellence is expected to significantly strengthen technical capacity, improve graduate employability, and contribute to Kenya’s industrial and technological growth in line with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).