In a vibrant show of commitment and collaboration, Diaspora Kenyans who are founders and investors of the Diaspora University Town (DUT) project visited the project site in Voi, Taita Taveta County. The event brought together diaspora professionals from across the United States, Kenya-based experts, and Ndara B Community entrepreneurs to assess the progress of DUT. The project is one of Kenya's most ambitious university-driven innovative smart town developments.
The Diaspora Kenyans stakeholders, showcasing the project's wide-reaching support, included: Dr. Shompole of Pullman, WA; Professor Mutisya from Raleigh, NC; Susan Mutua from Florida; Joan Cheboswony from Phoenix, AZ; Phyllis Kiarie from Tory, AL; and Alice Muiruri from Tacoma, WA.
They were joined by prominent Kenyan-based scholars, investors, and professionals. Joining from Nairobi were Dr. Jack Waweru, Eng Jack Njaraba, Dr. Johnstone Mativo, and other professionals accompanying Alice. Eng. Edward Lewa and Maurice also joined from Mombasa.
Prof. Mutisya, who is spearheading the founding of Diaspora University, was not just visiting but also working on Diaspora University. Those working with him are Dr Waweru and Phylis Kiarie, who are progressing the founding of the Diaspora University School of Business, Entrepreneurship and Leadership (DU-SoBEL). Eng. Edward Lewa, a former principal of the now Mombasa Technical University, will work closely with Prof. Mutisya to found the School of Engineering. RN Susan Mutua is working on the plan for founding the School of Nursing. Joan is working on the University administration system.
Eng. Jack Njaramba, joined by Ronald Mwangombe, showed the design-build plan they will implement to construct buildings, roads, and infrastructure, with an estimated budget of Ksh 39.5 billion. Eng. Njaramba will lead approximately 2,000 professionals and workers in the design and construction of the roads and buildings. Ronald is leading the establishment of 30 MSMEs that will produce and supply the project with building materials.
This working tour included intense dialogue on Diaspora University's founding, updates on townhouses, roads, and infrastructure development, firsthand engagement with the DUT team at the site and the Ndara B community members, and renewed commitments to transform a shared vision into a living reality.
The tour reviewed key development zones, observing firsthand the tangible results of their investment. Recent progress highlighted in project updates includes the ongoing manufacturing of concrete hollow blocks and other concrete products. The delegation also observed the groundwork being laid for a 60km network of paved roads and infrastructure that will serve 3,778 properties.
