By Caroline Katana
Kenya is seeking to position itself as a continental leader in science, technology, and innovation as the government pushes for increased investment in research to drive industrialization, job creation, and economic growth.
Speaking during the opening of the inaugural STRI4Society Week 2026 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation, Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, said Kenya must transition from being a consumer of technology to a producer of globally competitive innovations.
The week-long conference, themed “Igniting Innovation: Bridging Science and Society for Sustainable Development,” has brought together researchers, innovators, universities, diplomats, students, private sector players, and development partners to discuss the role of science in national development.
Prof. Abdulrazak said the government views science, research, and innovation as critical pillars in achieving Kenya’s economic transformation agenda under President William Ruto.
“This week is not simply about showcasing inventions or research outputs. It is about shaping the future of our nation,” he said.
He noted that countries investing heavily in research and innovation continue to dominate the global economy through advancements in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics, digital systems, and advanced manufacturing.
“The nations leading these technologies today are the nations shaping global trade, healthcare, food systems, and industrial production,” he said.
According to the PS, Kenya currently invests about 0.8 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in research and development, below the African Union target of 2 percent.
He called for increased national investment in science and innovation, saying research funding should be viewed as a strategic investment rather than expenditure.
“This is not expenditure; it is a strategic national investment,” he stated.
Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation, Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak
Prof. Abdulrazak said Kenya already possesses strong foundations for scientific advancement, including a youthful population, internationally recognized universities, thriving startups, and more than 60,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure.
However, he emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among universities, industry, government, and communities to accelerate innovation and commercialization of research outputs.
“We must move from fragmented innovation to nationally coordinated innovation ecosystems,” he said.
The PS said the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation is working closely with institutions including the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), the National Research Fund (NRF), and the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) to strengthen research financing, innovation incubation, and intellectual property protection.
He added that Kenya is prioritizing sectors such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, climate technologies, and digital innovation as part of efforts to position the country as a leading African innovation hub.
Prof. Abdulrazak cited the launch of GPU computing infrastructure through the Kenya Education Network and the implementation of Kenya’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy as important milestones in the country’s digital transformation journey.
Despite the growing focus on technology, the PS stressed that science must directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
“Science must improve healthcare access. Science must strengthen food production. Science must create jobs for young people,” he said.
He challenged universities and research institutions to move beyond academic publications and focus more on industrial partnerships, commercialization, and enterprise creation.
“Research must move from publication to production. From laboratories to industries. From ideas to enterprises,” he said.
Prof. Abdulrazak also urged the private sector to increase investment in startups, technology transfer, industrial incubation, and innovation financing.
He noted that globally, industries finance the majority of research and development activities because innovation drives competitiveness and profitability.
The PS further highlighted the importance of science diplomacy and international cooperation in addressing global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, food insecurity, and energy transition.
He said Kenya aims to become a continental hub in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and digital transformation by 2030.
Prof. Abdulrazak identified agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and the blue economy as sectors with significant growth potential through research and innovation.
In agriculture, he called for climate-smart technologies and AI-driven systems to improve productivity and food security.
In healthcare, he emphasized investment in genomics, pharmaceuticals, radiotherapy, and digital health systems to reduce dependence on imported medical products.
“The future economy will belong to nations that control data, computing power, innovation, and knowledge systems,” he said.
As STRI4Society Week 2026 officially opened, Prof. Abdulrazak challenged stakeholders to embrace science and innovation as national priorities for Kenya’s future prosperity.
“History will remember nations that prepared for the future before the future arrived,” he said.
“Let Kenya rise through science. Let Africa rise through innovation.”
