Uhuru Opens a Nanotechnology and Semiconductor Manufacturing Plant in Nyeri

President Kenyatta on Monday opened a nanotechnology and semiconductor manufacturing facility at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DKUT) in Nyeri.

The manufacturing facility was set up by Semiconductor Technologies Limited (STL) on the university’s 177-acre Science and Technology Park through a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement.

The plant, the first of its kind in Africa, makes integrated circuits, sensors, and related nanotechnology products for the world market. 

Its products are used in electronic gadgets including mobile phones, televisions, and laptop computers.

Speaking during the official launch of the factory, Kenyatta underscored the importance of public-private partnerships (PPP) in advancing the Big 4 Agenda’s manufacturing pillar.

“This is the dream some of us have for this country, our ability to become an industrialized nation, to be able to create good quality and well-paying jobs for our young people,” he said.

He added: “By producing locally, we are not only saving money but also creating well-paying jobs for our young people.” 

The president further disclosed that he will soon be launching a ship-building plant in Mombasa, adding that the country is getting back to assembling motor vehicles.

“I believe this is the vision that we all need to work on as we work on all the infrastructure, generating sufficient power, building roads, and putting fiber networks. We are doing all this so that we can attract industries such as this one to create employment, create hope and give opportunity especially to the young people of this country,” he added.