Kenya validates the first science technology and innovation policy

The Ministry of Education engaged external stakeholders in validating the first Draft Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy.

Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, underscored the milestone that Kenya has never had a National STI Policy since independence, therefore, the need to reflect on the crucial role played by science, technology and innovation in the social economic development of our country.

In a speech read  on his behalf by Secretary Administration, Mr. Fredrick Ndambuki, Dr. Inyangala observed that the key Government document, brings out competencies and opportunities for technological learning, particularly within industry and business enterprises ensuring there is a conducive policy environment for STI to thrive.

“The initiative to have an STI framework in place can be traced back to the National Development Plan (1970 – 1974), which was based on the recognition of the important role that STI play in the country’s social economic development,” noted Dr. Inyangala

The PS pointed out that other subsequent plans came before the Science and Technology Act (CAP 250) of 1977 that was repealed by enacting the Science, Technology and Innovation Act of 2013, which focuses on STI Policy, as enshrined in the Constitution, on the right to access information and scientific research as fundamental rights.

Kenya Vision 2030 blueprint recognizes STI, as a key enabler, that is expected to drive the national development agenda, by ensuring that all sectors of the economy have access to new technologies and adequate knowledge in order to increase productivity and efficiency.

The STI Policy is geared towards the realization of the country’s long-term development goal of Vision 2030 in line with, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which recognizes that true economic growth starts by empowering grassroots communities, fostering innovation, and leveraging on the transformative power of STI.

She added that the objectives of the STI Policy guide the identification of science and technology Sector priorities, rationalize and re-structure STI institutions, develop mechanisms for sustainable financial resource mobilization as well enhance the quality and capacity of the human resource.

“The STI policy re-aligns education and training programmes to national goals and industry needs, strengthen STI infrastructure, facilitate the development and growth of technology-based enterprises, and promote a culture of STI in the country,” said Dr. Inyangala. Adding, that the objectives will be achieved by creating an enabling environment that support talents and creativity, as well as having effective networks and linkages for knowledge generation and sharing nationally, regionally and internationally.

Although there are other sector specific policies and legal frameworks such as KALRO Act 2019, Biosafety Act 2009, University Act, 2012 among others, the PS said, the STI Policy will be the overarching framework and a national policy guiding the research, science, technology and innovation ecosystem in Kenya.

“This Policy is covering a broad range of topics including industry and globalisation, innovation and entrepreneurship, scientific research and development and emerging technologies.

The STI Policy focus towards facilitating transformation of the economy from a factor-based to a knowledge-based economy. The end result of the Policy is to mainstream STI into all sectors through generation, acquisition, dissemination and utilization of available capacities.

After the external Stakeholders’ Validation Workshop, the document will be shared with the Parliamentary Committee on Education for input and comments before being forwarded to the Cabinet for approval.