INCOME GENENERATING ACTIVITIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION:

The Case of Kigali Institute Of Science, Technology And Management (Kist)

by
Eng. Albert Butare
Vice-Rector (Academic)
Kigali Institute of Science and Technology

B. P. 3900, Kigali, Rwanda

Tel: +250 - 574625/574696, +250 - 08300022, Fax: +250 - 571924/571925
E-mail: abutare@kist.ac.rw
Website: http://www.kist.ac.rw

A case study prepared for a Regional Training Conference on

Improving Tertiary Education in Sub-Saharan Africa: Things That Work!

Accra, September 23-25, 2003

Financial and material support for this training activity were generously provided
by the ADEA Working Group on Higher Education, the Association of African
Universities, the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie, the Carnegie
Corporation of New York, the Ghana National Council for Tertiary Education,
the Government of the Netherlands, the International Network for the
Availability of Scientific Publications, the Norwegian Education Trust Fund, and
the World Bank.
 INCOME GENENERATING ACTIVITIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION:

The Case Of Kigali Institute Of Science, Technology And Management (KIST)

Eng. Albert BUTARE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Rwanda is a small land locked country, with a land area of 26.000 Square Kilometres, and a
population of about 8 million. It is rated one of the most densely populated countries in Africa, with
the majority of the population living in rural areas (94%). The annual population growth of Rwanda is
estimated to be 3.6%. The country’s population is relatively young with a high proportion of the
population (60%) under the age of 20. Women constitute the majority (54%) of the population and
labour force, particularly in agriculture. Rwandan economy is predominantly subsistence agriculture
with 91.1% of the working population (compared to 70% for sub-Saharan Africa) actively involved in
the agricultural sector. Only 1.7% (7.5% for sub-Saharan Africa) of the working population is in the
industrial sector, while 7.2% (22.5% for sub-Saharan Africa) is in the service sector of the economy
[8].

2.0 KIST’S ROLE WITHIN THE RWANDAN PERSPECTIVE

The Kigali Institute of Science, Technology and Management (KIST), is the first technological
Institution of Higher Learning to be established by the Government of Rwanda in 1997. Prior to its
establishment, the country had been going through years of economic decline and later, the war and
genocide of 1990-1994 which claimed many lives, including skilled personnel, leaving human
resource gaps in both the public and private sectors of the economy.

This tragedy, coupled with a massive return of Rwandan refugees who had left the country in 1959
and 1973, paused new challenges for Rwanda Government. With regard to the educational system,
Rwandan returnees had evolved from different socio-economic, socio-cultural, educational and
linguistic systems. The Government of Rwanda had to put in place new measures to consolidate a
more diverse, multi cultural and multi lingual population. The government’s bilingual policy is one of
the measures established to meet this challenge. KIST was established to rebuild the country’s human
resource in the fields of science and technology for overall economic development.

3.0 PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH FINANCING HIGHER EDUCATION 5

3.1 General trends of financing Higher Education

Over the last decade, there has been continued decline of public funding in developing countries,
while the demand for student enrolment continues to grow. The biggest challenge faced by
Institutions of Higher Learning, worldwide is maintaining and improving the quality of education and
continuously expanding enrolment while actual resources available to them are dwindling. For
example, the average expenditure per student in a public university in North Africa and the Middle
East has fallen from US$ 3200 to US$1900 in the past one decade. Similarly, in sub-Saharan Africa,
the average expenditure per student has declined from US Dollars 6300 to US Dollars 1500 [11] As a
result, Higher Institutions of Learning have been forced to reduce expenditure, seek new sources of
funding and improve the utilization of existing resources. Subsequently, there is need to change
Albert Butare Income Generating Activities at KIST

mechanisms, techniques and styles of institutional management to cope with emerging trends in
funding systems worldwide.

3.2 Financing Higher Education in Rwanda

Problems associated with funding Higher Education in Rwanda are reflected in several aspects, some
of which are outlined below.

1. There are always competing interests in the national budget for the meagre and often
borrowed resources. Rwanda is heavily dependent on donor funds, which very often do
not meet the national budget sufficiently.
2. There has always been a tendency to lump general and technical education together, with
a larger portion of the budget being allocated to general education at the expense of
technical education.
3. Generally, education and training were traditionally considered to be a social service,
with less recognition of the fact that sustainable development can only be achieved with
substantial investment in human capital.
4. Historically, postcolonial Rwanda did not focus on manpower development. For example,
until 1994, Rwanda had only one university, the National University of Rwanda. By
1994, having existed for 31 years, the university had only graduated 2000 Rwandans,
most of whom graduated from the humanities domain.

Little appreciation for the need to focus on skills development implied that, Higher Education in
Rwanda was in the past not prioritised and thus not proportionately funded. Consequently, the
country has been largely dependent on foreign expertise to meet its human resource requirements.

4.0 RESPONDING TO THE FUNDING CHALLENGE: Income Generation Concept at

KIST

Since 1994, Higher Education has been on top of Rwanda’s political agenda and top priority on the
national budget. By 2002, a total of 13 institutions were established in the country. 6 of them are
government owned while 7 are private institutions. KIST is the first technological institute in Rwanda.
The Government supports expatriate staff, local staff salaries, local staff training abroad and a humble
investment in infrastructure. However, a budget deficit remains, which has to be borne by the
institute. Expenses borne by KIST are usually to meet basic requirements in order not to compromise
the quality of education. Examples include computers, hiring laboratory facilities in Kenyan
Universities and subscribing to Internet Satellite Connectivity at an average rate of $10000 per month.

KIST is conscious of government’s limited resources and several initiatives have been taken to
generate income and diversify revenue. Diversification of study programs, introduction of distance
learning and fostering closer links with the private sector are some of the efforts made by KIST to
ensure that study programs remain relevant to the market, which in return attract a diverse range of
students.

Such initiatives, coupled with a policy to reward innovative staff, particularly those who initiate
income-generating activities, has enabled the institute to diversify its revenue while retaining its
vision of offering high quality education. Following are some examples of income generation at
KIST.

4.1 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre

Driven by the desire to offer high quality IT education as well as provide basic IT services to the
Rwandan community, KIST established its ICT Centre in 1999. Through the centre, KIST has become
one of the major Internet Service Providers (ISP) in Rwanda, second to the national
telecommunication company, Rwandatel. The centre is involved in Internet service provision for dial

Improving Tertiary Education in Sub-Saharan Africa: Things that Work! 3

Albert Butare Income Generating Activities at KIST

up and wireless connections, sales of Internet accessories for both wide and local area networks and
operates an Internet cafe. In addition to Internet service provision, the ICT Centre provides to the
public other computing services and consultancies such as: web page design & hosting, networking,
development of software packages, e-mail & internet access, secretarial services, etc. The competitive
prices offered by the institute make it the best choice.

The centre is also engaged in preventive maintenance, servicing of computer hardware and other
electronic equipment. Other major activities at the ICT centre are: PC upgrading, computer
assembling, training of personnel and maintenance of computers and associated electronic equipment.
In a short while, the centre has expanded to become self-sustaining, and capable of supporting an
ever-increasing number of customers at a reasonable profit. To further strengthen its competitiveness,
the ICT centre is negotiating a joint venture with the Mediapost, an IT private company in Rwanda.
The joint business plan includes establishing a private television company, the first ever in Rwanda.

Table 1. Income Generation by ICT Service Centre in 2002 and Projections for 2003
Operation Income - year 2002 Projected Income - year 2003
(US Dollars) (US Dollars)
Internet Subscriptions 99,350 145,300
Equipment sales 20,150 45,200
Internet café 24,385 16,800
Networking s ervices 220,000 298,000
Total 363,885 505,300

4.2 ICT Intermediate Skills Training Centre

Rwanda has a shortage of skilled technicians to maintain and repair the growing stock of ICT
equipment and infrastructure in the country. KIST has established five state of the art computer
laboratories equipped with 170 Pentium IV Compaq Computers. With support of the Department for
International Development (DFID) UK, the institute initiated and is currently running an intensive
training programme for ICT technicians to maintain computing hardware, software and networks.
Through partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University (Scotland), specialists are brought in
regularly to evaluate the ICT training programs and continuous improvements are made where
necessary. This translates into high quality training programs, which have attracted participants from
government ministries, private companies, and the entire Rwandan community. This programme,
which was officially launched in September 2002, has so far (May 2003) collected revenues to the
tune of US Dollars 45,608.

4.3 Students Portfolio

FEE PAYING STUDENTS ON FULL-TIME PROGRAMMES

Since the establishment of the institute, there has been substantial growth of student numbers, from
209 students in 1997 to the current enrolment that stands at slightly above 4000 [4]. Growing demand
from employers and employees for higher education to cater for professional upgrading, retraining
and continuous learning, has demanded further expansion of teaching facilities.

The Institute offers full-time programmes that lead to the award of Degrees or Diplomas in various
disciplines of technology and management. With an annual intake of 600 students, 100 places are
reserved for full time privately sponsored students. This has enabled the institute to generate income
through tuition fees paid by students.

Improving Tertiary Education in Sub-Saharan Africa: Things that Work! 4

Albert Butare Income Generating Activities at KIST

Table 2: Income Generation from the Students’ Portfolio

Income Academic year Expected Income Academic
Item 2002/2003 year 2003/2004
(US Dollars) (US Dollars)
Registration Fees 22,200 25,984
Tuition Fees 680,350 715,140
Examination Fees 20,210 22,920
Total 722,760 764,044

THE CENTRE FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION

The Centre for Continuing Education consists of three Departments:

1. The Part-Time Studies programme

2. The African Virtual University (AVU) or Distance Learning Education
3. The In-Service Training Programme.

PART-TIME STUDIES

Many employed Rwandans wish to pursue further studies to advance their professional careers but
cannot have time off their jobs to take long professional study programs. In response to this need,
KIST established the Department of Part-Time Studies, which has well over one thousand self-
sponsored evening students pursuing degree and diploma courses under the Faculties of Management
and Technology.

In addition, the institute occasionally offers on demand short courses such as basic computer courses,
ACCA, CISCO and Microsoft certified programmes. Part-Time study programs have responded
positively to community needs at no extra cost to the institute because they are priced at market rates
and are therefore self-sustaining.

THE IN-SERVICE TRAINING (IST)

The main objective of the In-Service Training Department is to enhance human resource for various
target groups through seminars, workshops and tailor-made short courses. These courses are provided
upon demand, and are largely focused on the fields of management, technology, computer skills, food
science and entrepreneurship.

Income from the In-Service Training is a function of marketing strategies and realisation of higher
business volumes. The income for 2002 and projected income for 2003 are US Dollars 7,744 and US
Dollars 41,556 respectively.

AVU AND DISTANCE LEARNING EDUCATION

KIST utilises the Internet resources to offer quality distance learning education through the African
Virtual University (AVU). The cost effectiveness of this program is due to its non-reliance on
physical human resource. Students interact with instructors through Internet mailing, telephone and
fax.

The Centre offers short and long courses in the areas of management and technology, normally
sourced by the AVU itself. Students obtain certificates, diplomas and degrees from course-owner
Institutions and Universities abroad. Currently the centre offers degree and diploma courses in
Computer Science offered by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) based in Australia
and other short courses such as Web Design, JavaScript, TOEFL, etc.

Improving Tertiary Education in Sub-Saharan Africa: Things that Work! 5

Albert Butare Income Generating Activities at KIST

More degree and diploma study programmes are planned for the year 2003 in collaboration with
RMIT University. The expected income is summarised in table 3 below:

Table 3: Income generation by AVU for 2002 and 2003.

Income – year 2002 Income – year 2003

Course
(US Dollars) (US Dollars)
Short courses - 6,240
Diploma and Degree programmes - 100,000
Total - 106,240

4.4 Outreach Programmes

PROMOTION OF COTTAGE INDUSTRIES

In addition to the academic programs available to both full-time and part-time students, KIST
continues to impart to the Rwandan society entrepreneurship and innovation skills exemplified by
different appropriate and innovative technologies promoted by the institute through outreach
programs. The Department of Cottage Industry was established in the year 2000 with the following
objectives:

(i) Training and empowering as many people as possible in the entrepreneurship skills to enable
them develop viable businesses.
(ii) To serve as an income generating unit from the sales of manufactured item.
(iii) To serve as a demonstration unit for students undertaking related technology courses.

The Department installed the machinery to train and demonstrate to the community simple
technologies to manufacture goods such as wire nails, chalks, candles, paper napkins, plastic conduit
pipes, toilet papers, etc. The source of income for this department is through fees collected from the
students attending short entrepreneurship courses, normally between one month and one year as well
as the sales of items manufactured within the department. In addition, the department offers regular
consultancy services to the community, ranging from providing vital information on cottage
industries, sourcing equipment, installing, commission, and servicing machinery.

A food-processing unit was established under this department in the year 2001. The unit is currently
involved in a number of activities that include : research, teaching, demonstration and income
generation. The unit is capable of producing ready to serve juices, squashes, tomato sauces and jams
on small scale. A modest income has been generated through sales of such products. In addition, the
unit serves as an internal training unit for Food Science students. Although the primary objective of
this department was not income generating, it has still managed to generate US Dollars 15,000 within
2 years of its existence.

CENTRE FOR INNOVATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER (CITT)

KIST is one of the leading Institutions of Higher Learning in the region that have established income-
generating activities to diversify revenue. The Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer (CITT)
and the Entrepreneurship Department (ED), also contribute to rural growth and development through
technology transfer initiatives.

Realising that the curricula for conventional universities did not result into immediate solutions for
community-related problems in Rwanda, and realising that no models existed elsewhere that could be
adapted, KIST tried right from the onset to combine conventional teachings with appropriate

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Albert Butare Income Generating Activities at KIST

technology transfer initiatives. Heads of Departments tried to come up with different initiatives within
their respective areas.

Some technological initiatives started to attract market attention, particularly renewable energies,
wastewater management and food processing. KIST Management decided to consolidate these efforts
under one Centre, namely, the CITT, which was later officially inaugurated by H.E the President of
the Republic of Rwanda in March 2003. Earlier on, H.E. President Kagame had urged the institute to
ensure that technology innovations move from the laboratory to rural communities where they are
needed most.

The CITT was therefore established to:

• Facilitate development, adaptation and transfer of appropriate technologies to the community in

order to improve the quality of life of the people.
• To generate income through various innovative rural based technologies.

Based on carefully researched socio-technological needs of the communities in the country, CITT has
focused its operations on the following areas:

Water supply for domestic use and for irrigation purposes: CITT has developed and adapted low-
cost seesaw and treadle manual pumps compared to the traditional petrol and electricity based pumps.
Trial tests conducted in the field have shown that, the pumps are effective in water pumping from low
levels to uphill points within a head of 9.5 meters, enough for small scale irrigation projects and home
use. Women and children easily operate such pumps. Efforts are underway to introduce the hydraulic
ram technology for the same purpose.

Similarly, CITT has developed off shelf designs of rainwater harvesting systems that are standardised
and suited to household and community needs as an alternative to piped water (from public mains).
Available scales range from water jars of 200 litres up to 100,000 litre tanks. Installation costs are
incredibly low because the tanks are built mainly out of brickwork, with no metal reinforcement,
except single chicken wire. Rainwater harvesting systems have been established and are operational
with capacity of 30,000, 100,000 and 200,000 litres. So far, the Institute has been able to raise US
Dollars 16,000 in 2002 and the projected income US Dollars 30,000 in 2003.

Agro-processing and food storage: KIST has developed a dual crop dryer that utilises sunshine or
biomass (rice husks, saw dust, firewood) as a source of energy. The unit can process products like
fruits, vegetables and meat into value added, longer shelf life products. Grain storage bins is another
innovation by the CITT, purposely developed to improve food storage and enhance food security by
ensuring that grain will be available in season and out of season when prices are much higher.
Projections from such and other related agro processing projects indicate good prospects for income
generation in the year 2003/2004.

Alternative Energy supply systems (Renewable Energies): Solar photovoltaic has been set-up on
campus to demonstrate street lighting and other applications that normally utilise electricity Radios
and TV set have successfully been operated by this system. Several households have been fitted with
solar lighting systems innovated by CITT.

Solar Thermal System: Standard solar water-heating systems have been developed and tried in the
field. Users reported substantial savings in electricity bills and found it more convenient as a source of
hot water. A double glazed water heater has been installed in one of the provincial hospital to avail
hot water for the sick. Several other units have been installed in other places in the country. Reducing
the cost of inputs to make solar technology more affordable and improved marketing strategies are
some of the efforts being made by CITT to attract more users.

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Albert Butare Income Generating Activities at KIST

Biogas Technology: KIST has constructed several biogas plants where the gas has replaced slightly
above 60% of the normal fuel wood consumed. In additional to direct construction works, CITT
executes biogas technology skills development through various training courses, where technicians
and artisans are trained in planning, construction and servicing of biogas systems. Constant follow-up
in the field is made in order to ensure continued technical support and maintenance of the units.

Wastewater and solid wastes management systems: CITT has developed and installed ana erobic
treatment plants that treat organic wastes, particularly toilet waste for safe disposal. It is essentially
the biogas plant design with enhanced post treatment and composting provision. To date three
anaerobic digesters of 110, 60, 550 cubic metres have been installed. The fourth and the biggest
digester, which measures 1000 m³, is under construction.

It is worth noting that the government of Rwanda has been spending over USD one million every year
to procure fuel wood for provincial prisons. KIST is constructing bio latrines in those prisons to save
government funds and protect the environment. In the process KIST generates quite some income.

Income generated through the treatment of wastes and subsequent production of Biogas totalled US
Dollars 210,000 in 2002 and a lot of more is expected this year since several projects are underway.

Improved household and community cook stoves and bread baking ovens: CITT continues to refine
the design and manufacturing techniques of cook stoves and bread ovens to attain higher performance
and sustain the quality outlook for every unit that gets out of the production line. About 460 improved
cook stoves and 20 improved bread-ovens have been manufactured and installed in different
institutions such as schools, prisons, hospitals, orphanages, etc. This is an area of high potential
regarding income generation as illustrated in table 4. KIST’s popular bread oven won the first
international award on renewable energies in London in October 2001. The stove uses one piece of
fuel wood to bake about 4000 scones in 3 hours only. Currently, the entire KIST student and staff
community is dependent on this oven for bread supply. Income generated from selling baking ovens
is about US Dollars 20,000.

Animal traction for transport and cultivation: Work is going on within CITT in the adaptation and
field-testing of low-cost transportation systems in form of pushcarts and ox-carts. The carts are made
of locally available materials, and can be fabricated in the villages. Some pushcarts are already in the
field and in operation, but wider popularisation demands hands-on courses plus equipping ex-trainees
with basic equipment. This area is still under marketing and has not generated any income yet.

Labour-intensive rural roads and bridges: In the year 200, three students from the Civil Engineering
& Environmental Technology Department pioneered the design and installation of a suspended bridge
(spanning 45m) that crosses river Mbirurume in Kibuye Province – connecting Kibuye and Gikongoro
provinces. The previous route of 5km was reduced to 45m only. Following that, CITT was consulted
to advise on improvement of the access road to Shyira Hospital in Ruhengeri, as well as other road
networks in Kibungo provinces, an activity that is ongoing. Only about US Dollars 18,000 has so far
been generated, with anticipation of more income once KIST expertise gets known and appreciated.

Low-cost housing: The housing unit has developed low-cost building techniques and methods that
avail affordable houses to low -and medium income earners. Contributing to the success are skills in
the choice and use of stones, use of stabilised blocks, use of fired tiles, as well as use of design
optimisation techniques now employed world wide in the building industry. Housing, big enough to
accommodate 50 families was set up in Kanombe Military Barracks on behalf of the Ministry of
Defence. A total of US Dollars 140,000, worth of work was invested in this cost-effective housing
scheme, in exchange for land valued for that amount. KIST would have otherwise had to pay that
amount of money to a contractor. More income is expected, since there is already appreciation for this
technology.

Improving Tertiary Education in Sub-Saharan Africa: Things that Work! 8

Albert Butare Income Generating Activities at KIST

Revenue generated by CITT: The total revenue from the Centre for Innovations and Technology
Transfer was US Dollars 300,463 in the year 2002. A total income of US Dollars 1,369,316 is
projected in the year 2003. The income for the year 2002 and the projected income for 2003 giving
details of income generation from each project is summarised in table 4 below

Table 4: Income Generation by CITT

Income – year 2002 Projected Income – year 2003
Product
(US Dollars) (US Dollars)
Biogas and waste management 208,999 404,000
units
Cook stoves 39,464 661,920
Water solar heaters 3,000 8,000
Water tanks 16,000 29,596
Bread ovens 18,000 14,000
Other (instant shower, training,
agro-processing, rural road
networks, irrigation pump etc) 15,000 25,000
Grain storage & Processing 86,800
Low Cost Housing Scheme - 140,000
Total 300,463 1,369,316

It should be noted that CITT did not start on any specific budget. It started with nominal funds under
respective departments. Currently, the centre has attracted funding from the British Government
through DFID and a total of US Dollars 1.7 Million has been granted to strengthen CITT
infrastructure, production centres, and more research and development initiatives.

4.5 Research, Consultancy and Collaboration with the Private Sector

Quite a number of consultancy works have been conducted by KIST staff in the areas of Management
and Technology, another source of income for the institute. The recently installed laboratories in the
Faculty of Technology are an attraction to the industry and other customers to consult the institute for
various tests and consultancy works. The institute has now established the Centre for Research and
Consultancy to handle all activities related to research and consultancy works in a more effective and
coordinated manner.

Consulting activities for the year 2002 generated income amounting to US Dollars 132,000, which
included research work for Kigali Economic Development Strategy, charges from translation of
documents, and other small consultancies. However, much of the business was still in progress by the
end of the year 2002 and this will be reflected in the statement for the year 2003, for which the
projected income is US Dollars 174,000.

5.0 INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY TO MEET REVENUE DIVERSIFICATION NEEDS

In 2002, income-generating units, namely CITT, Consultancy work, In-Service Training, Part Time
studies and ICT activities made total revenue of about US Dollars 1.5 Million as illustrated in Table
5. Revenues were far below the target due to low volume in sales and services. However, projected
revenue for the year 2003 is about US Dollars 3.0 million.

It should be noted that revenue figures are in gross terms. On the actual net level, revenues generated
are around 35% of the institute’s total recurrent budget. Yet, the rapid expansion of enrolment and the
demand to ensure development and maintenance of academic excellence have put pressure on the
need for more infrastructure and teaching facilities.

Improving Tertiary Education in Sub-Saharan Africa: Things that Work! 9

Albert Butare Income Generating Activities at KIST

Table 5: Revenue from Major Income Generating Areas

UNIT Income - year 2002 Expected Income – year 2003

(US Dollars) (US Dollars)
CITT 300,643 1,369,316
Part-Time Studies 722,760 766,064
ICT 363,885 551,000
In-Service Training 7,744 40,000
AVU - 106,240
Consultancy Services 132,000 174,000
TOTAL 1,527,032 3,006,620

KIST is diversifying its financial base through a well thought-out expansion of income generating
activities. The establishment of Regional ICT Training and Research Centre, the strengthening and
expansion of CITT, commercialisation of activities, diversification of programmes to attract private
students from within and outside the country and enhancement of consultancy activities are top on
KIST’s agenda to enable the Institute generate 50% - 60% of its total budget by the year 2008.

KIST’s finance department is finalising the transformation process of all income generating centres
into independent cost centres. That way, expenses of some elements like utilities (water, electricity,
etc), which are currently borne by the central institute budget, will be transferred to the respective
centres. Eventually, it will be easy for KIST to understand the level of sustainability of such centres
based on real income status.

In addition, KIST has initiated the “graduate employment scheme” to ensure that KIST graduates start
their own businesses and create self-employment opportunities. This scheme, coupled with The
Centre for Business and Technology Incubation, which is still in its initial stages of development, will
further strengthen the link between KIST and Rwanda’s private sector. This will ensure the
sustainable growth and development of an institute that is responding to the country’s needs.

6.0 CONCLUDING REMARKS (PRACTICAL ADVICE)

Several factors contribute to the establishment of a successful self-sustaining Institute of Higher

education; a few important ones identified by KIST are outlined below:

• A positive attitude towards income generation has to be developed; the idea that pursuing
aggressive income generating activities in an academic setting will compromise the
quality of education is not correct. It is actually a wrong conservative attitude. On the
contrary, teaching and learning themes should be translated into market commodities and
services in order to increase the relevance of the institute’s study programs.
• Teaching and research staff should be encouraged, actually compelled to try and relate
their research and teachings into tangibles, which should be translated into transferable
goods and service.
• Entrepreneurial culture with subsequent entrepreneurial undertakings should be made a
pertinent feature of the institutional set-up whether the University is technology oriented
or humanities oriented.
• There has always been a gap between academic Institutions and private sector
undertakings in most of the developing countries. Partnership with the private sector
should be one of the key Institutional strategies.

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Albert Butare Income Generating Activities at KIST

The Author

Albert Butare. Engineer Butare holds a B. Sc. degree in Process Engineering from the University of
Dar-es-salaam and a M. Sc. degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Flensburg,
Germany. He has also completed several professional courses, including biotechnology. Eng.
Butuare is the Academic Vice Rector at KIST, and serves as a member on several boards in Rwanda.
Prior to joining KIST, Eng. Buture worked with several industries in Tanzania, including the Center
for Agricultural Mechanisation and Rural Technology where he was in charge of the Energy
Directorate. Regionally, he has done consultancy work on renewable energies and biotechnology in
Benin, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. Internationally, he has
presented papers in Germany, India, Malaysia, Atlanta, California, and Scotland.

At KIST, he has combined his engineering profession with a passion for development to lead the
institute into innovating simple rural based technologies such as energy supply and waste
management, which were later consolidated into the current Center for Innovation and Technology
Transfer. Promoting technology applications for rural development, his vision focuses not only on
energy but also on rural based water supply systems, urban and rural waste management, post- harvest
and storage technologies, rural transportation, rural-based road maintenance and bridge works, low
cost housing schemes, art and craft technologies. Among his achievements are: design of the first
biogas lamp in Africa; an International Award from the London-based Ashden Foundation in
Renewable Energies for design of an energy saving baking oven that produces 4000 scones in 3 hours
with only one piece of wood as fuel; construction of a 550,000 liter anaerobic digester to treat human
waste of 6500 prison inmates; and completion of a 1 million litre capacity waste treatment unit –
believed to be the largest of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Endnotes

1. CITT Strategic Plan

2. IIEP (1990), “Improving Effectiveness of Higher Education Institutions: Studies of the
Management of Change”. A research program. IIEP/prg. BS/89.219 Rev. 4 (October 10),
Paris.
3. IIEP (1994), “The Management of Double Intakes: A Case Study of Kenyatta
University”, Paris.
4. Kelly, M.J., Nkwanga, E.B., Kabwa, L.H., Achola, P.P.W., Nilsson, K. (1989). “The
Provision of education for all: Towards the implementation of Zambia’s educational
reforms under demographic and economic constraints, 1996-2000” (School of Education,
University of Zambia).
5. KIST Annual Report, 2002-2003.
6. KIST Budget Documents, 2001,2002, and 2003.
7. KIST Strategic Plan, 2001-2006
th
8. Rwanda Development Indicators: 5 Edition, August 2002
9. Rwanda: Development of Policy, Bill and Reorganisation of Higher Education, Ministry
of Education, Science, Technology and Scientific Research, June 2002.
10. Rwanda: Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, June 2002.
11. World Bank (1988), Education in sub-Saharan Africa: Policies for Adjustment,
Revitalization and Expansion, (Washington D.C: World Bank), p. 74.

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