03/06/2026
UPDATE: DR COLLINS TANUI, From Eldama Ravine, Re-appointed to KAIST Council
Dr Collins K. Tanui, a distinguished scientist from Saos in Eldama Ravine Constituency, has been re-appointed to the Council of the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (Kenya-AIST), a premier postgraduate institution being established at Konza Technopolis.
The reappointment was made by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, reaffirming Dr Tanui's role in guiding one of Kenya's most ambitious science, technology and innovation projects.
A renowned scientist specializing in pathogen genomics and molecular biology, Dr Tanui currently serves as Principal Technical Officer for Pathogen Genomics and Program Lead at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), the public health agency of the African Union.
His reappointment comes as Kenya-AIST enters a critical phase of development. On April 9, 2026, the National Assembly approved the draft charter for the institution, before President William Ruto officially awarded it a charter on May 14, 2026, paving the way for its operationalization as a fully-fledged postgraduate university.
Kenya-AIST is modelled on the globally renowned Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and is expected to become a centre of excellence in advanced research, training and education in science, technology and engineering.
The institute is designed to produce highly skilled researchers, innovators and technology leaders who will drive Kenya's industrialization agenda and strengthen the country's competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.
Dr Tanui was first appointed to the council in May 2023 as a member of the inaugural governing team overseeing the establishment of the institution. He now continues to serve alongside Council Chairperson Prof. Emmanuel Mutisya and fellow council members Prof. Washington O. Yotto, Eng. Meshack Kidenda and Purity Mureithi.
The establishment of Kenya-AIST was spearheaded by ICT Principal Secretary Eng. John Tanui and is considered a strategic national project aimed at positioning Kenya as a regional hub for advanced science, technology and innovation.
Dr Tanui's reappointment has been welcomed in Baringo County, with many viewing it as recognition of his expertise and contribution to scientific research and public health on the continent.
Kenya-AIST is expected to play a key role in nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators who will contribute to Kenya's economic transformation and technological advancement.