Karume Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) is a parastatal organization under the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training. It is entrusted with the responsibility of preserving, enhancing, transmitting, and disseminating knowledge in science and technology by teaching, conducting research, and consultancy in various fields in the country.

KIST was established by Act No.2 of House of Representative of Zanzibar of 2009 as a successor to Karume Technical College (KTC) and became operational on 3rd October 2009. In 2002 KIST the then KTC was full registered by NACTE (National Council for Technical Education) and has the mandate to grant awards on Basic Technician Certificate (NTA Level 4), Technician Certificate (NTA Level 5), Ordinary Diploma (NTA Level 6), and Bachelor degree (NTA Level 8) in eleven (11) fields: Bachelor of Civil Engineering, Bachelor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Pilot Studies, Automotive engineering, Civil & Transportation engineering, Computer engineering, Electrical engineering, Electrical with Renewable energy engineering, Electronics & Telecommunications Engineering, Information Communication Technology with Business, Mechanical engineering, Mechanical engineering with Oil and Gas, Laboratory Technicians, and Teachers’ Vocational Education and Training.

KIST maintains a system of collaboration, consultation, and cooperation with other parties within and outside the country whose functions relate to the application of science and technology for the development of the country.