Kenya launches blueprint to turn research knowledge into solutions

Kenya has unveiled a national blueprint aimed at transforming its science, research and innovation ecosystem, with government officials, international partners and researchers calling for urgent action to turn knowledge into real-world solutions.

Speaking during the launch, Roselida Owuor, Director at the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, said the initiative brings together actors across the ecosystem with a shared goal of driving national development.

“Today’s gathering brings together stakeholders from across Kenya’s science, research and innovation ecosystem, united by the conviction that science and innovation are central to national development,” she said.

The blueprint is designed to address long-standing gaps in coordination.

“It provides a strategic framework for strengthening collaboration, connecting institutions, aligning efforts and ensuring that knowledge generated in Kenya translates into solutions,” Dr Owuor added, pointing to sectors such as food security, health and climate change as immediate priorities.

Deputy High Commissioner at the British High Commission, Rosy Cave, underscored the importance of partnerships in scaling innovation.

“Science, research and innovation hold immense potential to drive economic transformation and address pressing social challenges,” she said, adding that the UK remains committed to supporting Kenya’s agenda through investment, technology and skills development.

She highlighted ongoing cooperation between the two countries, noting that “together, we aim to strengthen Kenya’s innovation ecosystem, connecting ideas, industry and government and commercialising science-driven innovations across key sectors.”

African Population and Health Research Centre Executive Director Catherine Kyobutungi emphasised that Kenya already has the foundational elements needed to succeed but must focus on execution.

“We have all the ingredients; now we must work together to turn them into a dish that benefits the nation,” she said.

DR Kyobutungi pointed to persistent gaps in funding, research pipelines and talent retention, particularly among women, warning that without deliberate action, the country risks losing critical human capital.

“Collaboration is the catalyst. When the right resources and expertise come together, we can achieve magic in innovation,” she added.

Prof Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation, who officially launched the blueprint, framed the moment as a turning point for the country.

“Kenya does not lack talent. Kenya does not lack institutions. What has been lacking is effective coordination and purposeful synergy,” he said.

He stressed that science and innovation are no longer optional in a rapidly changing global landscape.

“Science is no longer optional for a nation like ours. Innovation is no longer a distant aspiration; it is an immediate strategic imperative,” he said.

Prof Abdulrazak also challenged the country to move from being a consumer of imported technologies to a producer of homegrown solutions.

“We must not resign ourselves to being perpetual consumers of technologies. It is time we produce our own,” he said, calling for increased investment in research and development, which currently stands at less than one per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Michael Lenasalon, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Devolution, echoed similar concerns, warning that fragmentation across institutions continues to limit Kenya’s potential.

“Industrial progression means research should respond to demand, not just produce publications,” he said, emphasising the need to better link research to industry.

He added that stronger investment in human capital and infrastructure would be key to unlocking growth.

Kenya must now focus on coordination, funding and implementation to unlock its full potential, despite having the talent, institutions and ideas.

“The success of the blueprint will depend not on its launch, but on what follows,” said Prof Abdulrazak. “Let this day be remembered as the moment Kenya chose coordination over fragmentation. Our laboratories must transform into industries, our ideas into enterprises and our youth into globally recognised innovators.”