The National Government is committed to support talented youth in Universities and Technical Institutions as a way of promoting scientific innovations.
The Principal Secretary State Department for Vocational and Technical Training (PS), Dr. Kevit Desai said the Ministry is committed to support research science, technology and innovation initiatives in the country.
Being represented by Mutinda Mwaa, the Director Vocational, Education and Training (VET) during the closure of the 8th National Science Week at KICC on Friday, the PS said as a Ministry they will continue to support similar fora that promote partnerships and collaborations on research, science, technology and innovation in order to enhance national, regional and global ST&I network.
This event comes at a time when the government is implementing the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) in an effort to keep up with the advances in science and technology. The curriculum particularly focus on the learner’s talents,” he said.
During the official opening of the event last Saturday, President Uhuru Kenyatta directed the Ministry to put in place a robust mechanism for securing scientific ideas, projects and innovations by the Kenyan youth.
“The President is aware the country’s future lies in scientific innovations and thus the need for concerted efforts by all stakeholders to ensure that transformative innovations are adequately safeguarded,” Dr. Desai noted saying that the Ministry will take up measures to ensure that this directive is implemented.
The Japanese Ambassador to Kenya, Ryoichi Horie appreciated the knowledge and talent demonstrated by the youth in their various innovations and called for enhanced students partnerships between Kenya and Japan as a way of advancing technology.
The event which was also concluded with the robotics contest saw the Kabete National polytechnic scoop top position followed by Jeremiah Nyagah Technical Training Institute, while Kibabii University emerged third. The winners were presented with gifts and trophies.
The weeklong event was jointly held alongside the Young Scientists of Kenya Exhibition that attracted 27 TIVET Institutions.
This year’s theme was “Science, Technology and Innovation: Building Partnerships, Transforming Society.’’
By Wangari Ndirangu
