Mombasa · Kenya · Est. 2010
A gateway to knowledge, from the heart of Africa
The African University Trust of Kenya is a charitable trust dedicated to the advancement of education in Kenya and across Africa — developing higher education institutions on its 84-acre campus in Mombasa to serve the youth of East Africa and beyond.
About the Trust
Education as a foundation for Africa's future
The African University Trust of Kenya (AUTK) is an international charitable trust registered in Mombasa under the Trustees (Perpetual Succession) Act, Laws of Kenya. Established through the collaboration of Kenyan and Turkish academics, civil society leaders and philanthropists, the Trust is dedicated to fostering intellectual growth and equitable access to quality education in Kenya and across Africa.
AUTK develops and governs educational institutions on its campus in Mombasa, working with local and international partners to nurture the leaders, professionals and researchers who will drive Africa's sustainable development.
The Trust is constituted in Kenya by academics, civil society leaders and philanthropists, and incorporated by certificate in December 2010.
The Trust Deed is registered, and an 84-acre parcel of land is secured in Mombasa for the future campus.
Following feasibility and design studies, construction begins; the first phase delivers more than 22,000 m² of enclosed campus buildings.
Governance is renewed: an amended Trust Deed is registered and the Board of Trustees, Board of Directors and Auditing Committee are constituted.
Finishing works and institutional preparations continue as the Trust readies the campus for its first students.
Vision & Mission
What we are working towards
Our vision
To build internationally respected institutions of higher learning that lead in knowledge production, innovation and social transformation in East Africa — centres that take regional realities seriously while meeting global standards in education, research and community engagement, and that nurture the leaders and scientists who will drive Africa's sustainable development.
Our mission
- Provide accessible, high-quality and multidisciplinary education to young people in East Africa and neighbouring regions
- Contribute to the social, economic and cultural development of communities through research grounded in knowledge and values
- Develop innovative programmes that equip students with practical skills for the labour market
- Build academic platforms and partnerships that respond to local and global challenges
- Foster a multicultural learning environment that brings together people of different faiths, cultures and perspectives
Core Principles
The values that guide the Trust
Academic excellence
Scientific depth through education and research conducted to international quality standards.
Social responsibility
A community-first, service-oriented understanding of education that contributes to regional development.
Ethics and integrity
Acting within the principles of honesty, fairness, transparency and moral responsibility.
Innovation and enterprise
An environment that encourages students and academics to think creatively and produce solutions.
Internationalisation
Global partnerships, student and academic exchange, and a multilingual, multicultural academic culture.
Sustainability
Environmental, economic and social sustainability at the core of education, governance and research.
The Campus
An 84-acre campus rising in Mombasa
The Trust's campus is located in Mombasa, Kenya's historic port city on the Indian Ocean and a natural meeting point between East Africa and the wider world. The site spans 84 acres, with more than 22,000 m² of enclosed buildings completed in the first construction phase — including academic blocks, water infrastructure with one-million-litre storage capacity, and facilities designed for laboratories, classrooms and student life.
Finishing works — roofing, flooring, plastering, electrical and mechanical installations — are being carried out in stages under the supervision of the Board of Directors, in preparation for the campus to welcome its first students.
Architectural render — campus main entrance
Governance
Accountable stewardship of the Trust
AUTK is governed under its registered Trust Deed through three organs, supported by a foundation office in Mombasa responsible for day-to-day delivery.
Board of Trustees
The supreme decision-making body of the Trust. It sets vision and policy, approves budgets and regulations, appoints the executive organs and acts as custodian of the Trust's properties.
Board of Directors
The executive body of the Trust. It manages operations, implements the approved budget and work plan, and oversees construction, procurement and institutional development.
Auditing Committee
An independent committee that reviews the activities and accounts of the Trust on behalf of the Board of Trustees, ensuring financial oversight and accountability.
Founding institutions
The Board of Trustees is composed of trustees appointed by three institutions: the Suleiman Shahbal Foundation and the Universal Education Foundation of Kenya, and the Africa Foundation (Afrika Vakfı) of Ankara, Türkiye — reflecting the Kenyan–Turkish partnership at the heart of the project.
Donate
Help open the doors of education
Every classroom completed and every laboratory equipped brings the campus closer to its first students. Donations to the project are received through the Africa Foundation (Afrika Vakfı), a founding trustee institution of AUTK.
Donate online
Make a secure online donation through the Africa Foundation's donation platform.
Donate online →Donate by bank transfer
TR49 0020 9000 0119 3954 0000 04
Contact
Get in touch
International Liaison — Türkiye
Africa Foundation (Afrika Vakfı)
Hacettepe Mahallesi, Gelin Sokak No: 8
06230 Altındağ / Ankara / Türkiye