The government is pursuing a new paradigm shift in national development geared towards a holistic knowledge-based economy to spur growth. Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Felix Koskei has revealed
He told the inaugural Kenya National Research Festival (KNRF) that sound research, information and data was critical to national development and this cannot be overemphasized.
The festival is a conjointly organized event by the NRF and Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) to catalyze national development through research, nurture young scientists through mentorship and shaping their career pathways, to disseminate research outputs, to inform policy direction and ultimately forge partnerships and collaborations.
Koskei said that the power of scientific research fuels progress, drives innovation, helps people and nations tackle challenges and crises that they may confront in their developmental agenda.
“This festival could not have come at an appropriate and a most critical time. It accords us a unique platform for cultivating relevant and insightful discussions, promoting synergies and strengthening both domestic and international collaborations, which are critical levers of development in today’s interconnected world”, the CS told stakeholders who attended the festival.
Koskei commended the gathering which had young scientists, researchers and more than 200 students from across the 47 counties saying that the youth make up the majority of our population with estimates indicating that over 75 percent of the population is below 35yrs of age.
The Head of the public service further noted that the overall national development, government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) underscores the importance of leveraging research in harnessing local knowledge and technologies to help the Government in addressing community-specific challenges, creating sustainable economic opportunities and promoting inclusive growth and innovation.
He emphasized that a vibrant research culture, supported by strong collaborations between academia, industry and government will enhance educational outcomes and position Kenya as a leader in addressing both local and global challenges especially those relating to youth empowerment, whether they be skill gaps, competence development or adoption of technology.
It is important to establish strong linkages, between researchers and industry which is the main consumer of research information that is crucial in the quest for home grown solutions and products”, Koskei said
Professor Ratemo Michieka, Chair, NRF at Ministry of Education said that for Kenya to remain competitive now and in the future, it requires to urgently recruit the next generation of research scientists which is of critical importance to the government and is the essence of the festival
“At NRF we support such an activity that offer young budding scientists visibility and access to invaluable research resources”, he said, noting that citizens need to be encouraged to actively participate in promoting development of science and research.
Prof. Michieka emphasized that for good science communication and advocacy ,a multifaceted approach involving Science fairs and research festivals is essential and therefore such events demystify science, making it accessible and exciting, especially for young minds.
The Chair however acknowledged that there has been decline in confidence in science over the last few years with skepticism such as hesitance that some citizens have shown towards proven health solutions, like vaccines, which health scientists grapple with daily.
“It is only through effective science communication and public engagement with events such as this, that we can promote confidence in R&D in the larger public, but at the same time I want to challenge researchers to encourage and inspire young scientists to develop an interest in science, to study it, and perhaps, later on, to choose research and STEM careers.
Young people Prof. Michieka said they need to feel that it is important and exciting to be a scientist! They need to learn that scientists are ordinary people with extraordinary jobs, with a unique opportunity to serve society and change humanity for the better.
“The inspiring person, whether they be a teacher in a school or a research scientist at a research fair, is often the one who can most strongly inspire our children to become interested in science and research. Therefore, teachers need to be in contact with current research. This is why we strongly value having our partners, Young Scientists Kenya (YSK), with us today”, the chairman said..
Prof. Dickson Andala, CEO NRF said that the climax of the festival will be marked by celebrating 200 Young Scientists drawn across the 47 counties showcasing Research, Science, Technology and innovation projects competing under four categories: Technology, Social and Behavioral Sciences; Biological and Ecological Sciences; and Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences.
He explained that Kenya stands to reap from its investment in Research, Science, Technology and Innovation (RSTI), currently estimated to be at 0.8 percent of the GDP.
Prof. Andala said NRF has translated over 60 research outputs into tangible products/services ready for uptake and commercialization by the private sector; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs); National and County Government; institutions of Basic, TVET and higher learning.
At the close of the festival, National Outstanding Research Awards (NORA) winners were unveiled for their excellent contributions in research and the winners of the7th YSK National Science and Exhibition Awards.
The meeting brought Researchers, professionals and practitioners from across all sectors in the Private, Non-governmental organizations and Public under the theme “Research Partnership and Collaborations for Social Economic Development”.
By Wangari Ndirangu
