DUT

Diaspora University Town (DUT) is a visionary initiative established by Kenyans in the diaspora, aiming to develop a sustainable university town in Taita Taveta County, Kenya. The project integrates educational, residential, healthcare, and economic components to foster community development and innovation.

Founding Background

The concept of DUT originated in 2005 when diaspora Kenyans began planning a housing development in Kenya. In 2006, Professors Arthur Gerstenfeld and the late Raphael Njoroge proposed establishing a university in Africa modeled after the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Plan. By 2009, these initiatives merged into the University Town Development Plan, inspired by WPI's founding principles.

Development Milestones

• 2010-2011: Creation of the Master Development Plan (MDP), aligning with Kenya's 2010 Constitution.

• 2013-2015: Over 500 diaspora Kenyans registered as Town House Developers. The Taita Taveta County Assembly approved the Kenya University Project - Institution Town Development Plan in May 2015.

• 2016-2019: The Ndara B Community joined as co-founders through a land grant. The Diaspora University Trust was established, and the development office opened in Voi. The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) approved the Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA) in 2019.

Key Components

• University: Modeled after the WPI Plan, focusing on practical and project-based learning.

• Town Development: Includes residential housing, commercial centers, and recreational facilities.

• Medical Hospital: A state-of-the-art healthcare facility to serve the community.

• Design-Build and SMEs: Encourages small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in the town's development.

Contact Information

• Head Office: Red Elephant Bistro, MSA – NRB Road, Voi, Taita Taveta County, Kenya.

• Phone: 011-230-7655 or +254-758-140810

• Email: info@dut.or.ke

• Website: Diaspora University Town website.