The University of Nairobi (UoN) has proposed the construction of a new multi-billion Engineering and Science Complex at its Chiromo Campus, with the project set to include teaching facilities, laboratories and nine centres of excellence.
In a notice on October 27, The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) invited public comments on the proposed development, giving members of the public 30 days from the publication of its notice to submit their views before it makes a decision.
According to the environmental impact assessment report submitted to NEMA, the project will be built on two parcels of land in Nairobi County: L.R. No. 209/346/40/R and L.R. No. 209/346/40/51.
“The proponent, University of Nairobi, proposes to construct a state-of-the-art Engineering and Science complex comprising teaching and laboratory infrastructure, research facilities, 8No. Centres of Excellence, 1No. Sub-Centre of Excellence, other associated amenities and facilities on plot L.R No.209/346/40/R and L.R No.209/346/40/51, Chiromo Campus, Nairobi County,” read part of the notice.
The planned complex comes as the University of Nairobi faces mounting financial pressure, with the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education giving the institution until December 1 to explain how it intends to clear its KSh20 billion debt.
The committee’s decision followed an Auditor-General’s report by Nancy Gathungu, which showed that UoN had posted a Ksh2.2 billion deficit, raising its cumulative deficit to Ksh8.8 billion.
Details of the New UoN Complex
The proposed UoN complex will comprise teaching and laboratory infrastructure, research facilities, eight centres of excellence, one sub-centre of excellence and other associated amenities.
In May, UoN revealed that the Engineering and Science Complex (ESC) is a flagship project valued at Ksh4.5 billion (35 million euros).
“The Engineering and Science Complex (ESC) is a KSh4.5 billion (35 million Euros) flagship project of the University of Nairobi, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and supported by the Governments of Kenya and France,” read part of the statement.
The French Development Agency (AFD) funds the project, with support from the governments of Kenya and France.
Additionally, AFD launched the concept in 2015 by inviting higher education institutions to submit proposals for infrastructure development in science, technology, and innovation.
The UoN complex is designed to strengthen the university’s capacity in education, research, innovation and advanced training in engineering and science.
It will also support Communities of Excellence in innovation, data and artificial intelligence, green energy, sustainable chemistry, agriculture and food, health, advanced manufacturing, and urban development.
Also Read: How Ayub Njoroge Gitau Spent 24 Years at UoN, Rising from Lecturer to Vice-Chancellor
Environmental Risks and Mitigation Measures
The environmental assessment identifies several potential risks associated with construction and operation, including air pollution, noise, soil erosion, water contamination, increased traffic and pressure on water and energy resources.
To address these concerns, the university has proposed measures such as dust suppression, noise monitoring, proper waste management, controlled excavation and the restoration of disturbed areas through replanting indigenous vegetation.
The proposed mitigation measures also require the project to respect a 30-metre riparian reserve, with clearly marked and fenced buffer areas before construction begins. The project would not permit permanent structures within the designated riparian area.
The report further proposes measures to prevent pollution from laboratory effluents, oils, chemicals and construction activities. These include separating laboratory drainage systems, treating wastewater before discharge, and ensuring licensed providers handle hazardous waste.
Additional safeguards would include traffic management plans, workplace safety procedures, worker protective equipment, and emergency response arrangements.
The university has also proposed measures to manage increased demand for water and electricity, including rainwater harvesting, water-efficient fittings, and energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems.
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Public Participation
NEMA said the full environmental impact assessment report is available for inspection during working hours at its headquarters along Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, and at the County Director of Environment’s office in Nairobi.
Members of the public may submit oral or written comments to the authority’s Director General within 30 days of the notice’s publication.
Submissions can also be sent by email to [email protected], quoting reference number NEMA/ENVIS/SR/00661.
The authority will consider the submissions as part of its decision-making process on the proposed development.
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