Commissioning of the Machine Building Division and the Launch of the Ol'Borana Semiconductor Machine by the Deputy President, His Excellency, Hon. Rigathi Gachagua
We hosted the Deputy President, His Excellency Hon. Rigathi Gachagua for the Launch of the Machine Building Division of Semiconductor Technologies Limited,which has seen the designing and building of Ol Borana System, the First Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing System designed and built in Kenya.
The Semiconductor Technologies Limited, part of the Dedan Kimathi Science and Technology Park (DeST-Park), is the only one of its kind in Africa. It is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the University and Semiconductor Technologies Limited. The facility manufactures nanotechnology products such as integrated circuits and sensors used in electronic gadgets for the global market. Its products have a high demand and are used in electronic devices such as mobile phones, televisions and laptop computers.
Ol Borana system is an advanced Thin Film Silicon water sputtering system that uses precision robotics and sensor technology to process semiconductor and nano material. With the launch of the Ol'Borana system, the facility will be able to employ advanced algorithms and machine learning technology. Ol'Borana will advance nanotechnology R&D and be a production-level system. It will support wafer pilot production and high-throughput manufacturing.
"I am proud of the patriotism showed not only by the company but the Young engineers of this great nation who built the system, proving to the world that, indeed, Kenya has capable human capital in the technology industry and that they are capable of delivering at global standards. "stated the Deputy President. He noted that this is a significant milestone in the development of Dedan Kimathi Science & Technology Park (DeST-Park) and in fast-tracking the modernization of this country. He also congratulated the University Management for the excellent job.
The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education, Hon. Ezekiel Machogu also stated that the Dedan Kimathi Science and Technology Park (DeST-Park) is the first national project implemented by the Ministry of Education as a key enabler of the three pillars of Vision 2030. He also congratulated the University for the effort it has made to support the Park through initiatives such as the establishment of a Startup Centre, Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Management, DeHUB, Film Animation and Gaming Hub, among others, and hosting tenant technology companies such as Semiconductor Technologies Limited from which we are launching the Ol Borana system. He congratulated the University for maintaining its focus on STEM programmes, noting that 71% of the courses undertaken at the University are STEM-based, with 36% of the courses being in the Engineering sector.
The Managing Director, STL, Eng. Anthony Githinji also noted that the Semiconductor Technologies Limited factory has already employed eighty (80) youths and trained over one hundred and fifty (150) young people. This is a significant milestone in bridging the unemployment gap among our youth.
Also present swere Governor Nyeri County, Hon. Mutahi Kahiga, CS ICT Eliud Owalo, Deputy Governor H.E David Kinaniri, Senator Hon. Wahome Wamatinga, Women Rep Hon. Rahab Mukami, MPs Hon. Dunn Maina (Nyeri Town), Hon. Njoroge Wainaina (Kieni), Hon. John Kaguchia (Mukurwe-ini), US Embassy Charge' d'Affairs H.E Marc Dillard, among others.
