Nairobi – Subaru Kenya and Strathmore University have signed a partnership aimed at strengthening domestic STEM education, boosting the innovation of electric vehicles (EVs).
The collaboration, which began on May 9th at Strathmore’s Department of Computing and Engineering Science, featured a presentation to engineering students on all electric vehicle models from Subaru. The hands-on demonstration gave students the opportunity to interact with the vehicle system, interact with Subaru engineers, and gain actionable insights into the design and performance of the EV.
The initiative is to strengthen Kenya’s efforts to support sustainable transportation solutions amid rising fuel prices, worsening urban pollution and a nationwide push towards a green economy. The demand for talent in the EV sector is also increasing, creating opportunities for institutions like Strathmore to acquire students’ relevant skills.
Engineering students were able to study the mechanisms of vehicle battery systems, drivetrains, and energy efficiency, filling the gap between academic theory and real-world applications. Subaru’s EV will also serve as the official pace car during the upcoming Deputy Prime Minister (VC) of Strathmore to provide real-time updates to participants using Digital Display.
Deputy Prime Minister Strathmore, Dr. Vincent Ogutz, welcomed the partnership, noting his role in expanding learning beyond the classroom. He highlighted the importance of such collaborations in preparing young people for careers in sustainable technology.
Subaru Kenya’s involvement highlights the broader industry changes to coordinate business strategies with environmental goals. Defense Kioko, Marketing Manager at Subaru Distributor Ecta Ltd, said the partnership is an example of how companies can bring innovation to university campuses while forming the next generation of engineers.
Although Kenya’s EV adoption is still in its early stages, such initiatives are part of a broader effort to develop local capacity and build a workforce ready to support the country’s energy transition.
