The government has reaffirmed its commitment to harnessing science, technology, and innovation as key drivers for youth empowerment and national development.
This announcement comes in the lead-up to the inaugural National Science and Technology Exhibition, organised by the Kenya National Research Fund (NRF).
Higher Learning Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala said the government has prioritised research and innovation to address societal challenges. “We have started engagements with local and international partners to advance research excellence across institutions of learning,” Dr Inyangala stated.
Speaking during a stakeholders engagement forum for the upcoming Kenya National Research Festival 2024, Dr Inyangala said the government is adopting best practices from countries like China, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore to harness science and innovation for growth.
“The partnership of the National Research Fund and the Young Scientist Kenya will provide a unique platform for Kenyan youth from every county to demonstrate their capacity for innovation and research and showcase their scientific talents,” said Inyangala.
The inaugural event, themed “Research Partnerships and Collaborations for Socio-Economic Transformation,” aims to provide a platform for Kenyan youth to showcase their scientific talents and plays a crucial role in promoting knowledge-sharing within research community.
NRF Chief Executive Officer Dickson Andala, said Kenya’s rapid strides towards industrialisation and modernisation are fueled by the dedication to harnessing the potential of scientific research and innovation.
“This festival is where greater ideas will be born, partnerships forged, and the transformative power of research fully utilised,” said Prof Andala.
He reiterated that engagement with the youth is also aimed at inspiring the broader community, showcasing the importance of research in addressing societal challenges and driving economic growth.
“The exhibition is a testament to our young scientists’ talents and innovative spirit, offering a unique platform to showcase their projects and compete at a national level,” he added.
Andala noted that the partnership is helping to leverage opportunities to amplify the impact of research on society, the economy, and the environment.
He stressed that partnership with the youth is an ideal means of inspiring the next generation of innovators, solving pressing challenges, and unlocking new opportunities for growth and development.
“It is through such initiatives that we inspire the next generation of researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs,” he said.
NRF has called on Kenyan researchers both in TVET, undergraduate, and post-doctorates and lead researchers to submit abstracts and poster presentations.
