The Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) is the first public technological institute of higher learning in Rwanda. It came into existence as a UNDP project on November 1st, 1997 with a clear mandate to produce technical, scientific, of high calibers. KIST opened with major degree program being offered in engineering. Compulsory courses included English or French language and remedial basic sciences. The Institute was officially inaugurated in April 1998, and four years after its inception, it was legally enacted by Law No. 48/2001 of 26/12/2001.