US Commits $32M To Support STEM Educational Initiatives In Kenya

Samantha Dorisca
·2 min read

Kenya will receive significant backing to support education.

According to a news release, the United States signed a Framework for Cooperation with the Kenyan government to support innovation in STEM fields in partnership with its universities and the industry.

During Kenyan President William Ruto’s U.S. visit, USAID Counselor Clinton White signed the “Enhancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Education for Economic Development Framework for Cooperation” along with Kenyan Prime Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA.

Enhancements to Kenya’s education infrastructure will soon be in effect, empowered by a $32 million commitment, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) also announced. This includes $850,000 earmarked for the Edtech Africa initiative — a program to promote collaboration between HBCUs, the Open University of Kenya, Mastercard, and Microsoft. The investment will also encompass a $6.5 million project to ensure graduate students in STEM will be able to secure job placements in fields including information and communication technology and manufacturing of textiles and pharmaceuticals, among others.

“This initiative serves as an emerging technology bridge between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and African scholars, aimed at cultivating educational exchanges in the ever-evolving landscape of emerging technology,” a statement from a White House fact sheet reads.

According to The Exchange, President Ruto commented, “Such a partnership would develop curricula closely aligned with industry requirements, equipping young people with essential skills in ICT, green technologies, renewable energy installation and sustainable construction practices.”

Furthermore, there will be a focus on primary education, the White House’s fact sheet states. So, $24.5 million will be allocated towards the Kenya Primary Literacy Program (KPLP) to teach literacy nationwide to young learners in partnership with Kenya’s Ministry of Education.

“KPLP programs are delivered in English and Kiswahili to all public primary schools and select private schools. KPLP expands new innovations to address literacy needs of grade 1-3 learners while building more inclusive, accountable, and resilient education institutions and systems,” a White House statement reads.