USAID Announces $32 Million Investment in Kenya Education Sector
The Framework for Cooperation signed during the ceremony is expected to pave the way for collaborative endeavours, partnerships, and exchange programs aimed at developing and sharing STEM-related capacities among Kenyan higher education institutions.
Zita Ezechi 
At a signing ceremony held at Spelman College in Atlanta, USAID unveiled a substantial investment of nearly $32 million aimed at improving Kenya's education system. The announcement marked a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the United States and Kenya to enhance educational opportunities and foster innovation in key sectors.
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The investment encompasses a range of initiatives designed to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, advanced manufacturing, and information and communication technology (ICT) in Kenya.
According to a press release on May 22 by the U.S Embassy in Kenya, "This investment includes $850,000 in support of the Edtech Africa Initiative, a public-private partnership program recommended by the President's Advisory Council to promote STEM partnerships between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the Open University of Kenya, Mastercard, and Microsoft."
USAID also announced a groundbreaking $6.5 million project in Kenya focused on bridging the gap between STEM graduates and employment opportunities in rapidly expanding sectors such as ICT, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. This initiative seeks to equip Kenyan youth with the skills and resources necessary to thrive in the modern workforce.
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Additionally, a substantial portion of the investment, totaling $24.5 million, has been allocated towards a new program aimed at enhancing early grade literacy in Kenya. This initiative aims to ensure that more Kenyan students are equipped with foundational skills essential for success in higher education and beyond.
The Framework for Cooperation signed during the ceremony is expected to pave the way for collaborative endeavors, partnerships, and exchange programs aimed at developing and sharing STEM-related capacities among Kenyan higher education institutions.
