As Kenya’s cities grow faster and more complex, the need for skilled urban planners, architects and construction professionals has never been greater. That reality was underscored on January 9, 2026, when 20 students from the Faculty of Built Environment and Design at the University of Nairobi received the Future Urban Builders Scholarship.
The awards were announced during a ceremony held at the Confucius Institute, University of Nairobi. A total of 30 students were recognised in the inaugural cohort, drawn from the Faculties of Built Environment and Design and Engineering. The scholarship was established by the Chinese Property Developers Association Kenya to support students whose training is critical to the country’s urban future.
The association also presented a cheque of KShs 2 million to the University of Nairobi to strengthen the scholarship fund and support needy students. Prof. Jackson Maalu, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Finance, Planning and Development, received the donation on behalf of the University.
For students pursuing programmes in architecture, urban and regional planning, construction management and related disciplines, the scholarship offers important financial relief. It also creates opportunities for closer engagement with the construction and real estate sector, exposing students to professional standards and emerging practices in urban development.
Prof. Owiti Abiero K’Akumu, Dean of the Faculty of Built Environment and Design, formally recognized the 20 scholarship recipients as he announced their names and congratulated them on their achievement.
The ceremony also highlighted the University’s long-standing academic ties with China. Confucius Institute Director Prof. Wang Shangxue said more than 239 Kenyans have benefited from academic and professional exchange programmes, adding that the new scholarship expands cooperation into areas directly shaping Kenya’s urban landscape.
A panel discussion titled Youth Ingenuity Building Dreams of a Beautiful City followed the award ceremony. Speakers urged students to think long term, embrace innovation and apply their training to solving real urban challenges.
For the 20 students from the Faculty of Built Environment and Design, the scholarship is both recognition and responsibility. It supports their education while placing them at the centre of efforts to shape more sustainable and inclusive cities.
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