Part of:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Summary of the Science and Innovation landscape in Kenya

The Government of Kenya recognises science, technology and innovation (STI) as a key enabler of her long-term national plan, Kenya Vision 2030, and is committed to harnessing STI for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2013, the government adopted the National, Science, Technology and Innovation Act, which among other provisions, mandates a doubling of R&D government spending (from 1% of GDP in 2010 to 2%) and an increase in infrastructure spending. In addition, the act facilitated the establishment of instruments to coordinate science, technology and innovation endeavours in the country. These include the National Commission of Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), Kenya National Innovation Agency (KENIA) and National Research Fund (NRF), which are fully operational.

Kenya is a leading science and innovation hub in Africa (referred to as the ‘Silicon Savannah’). The R&D ecosystem is growing fast, attracting venture capital and resulting in numerous UK-Kenya research partnerships. Her young, tech-savvy population is driving innovation to address challenges the nation’s developmental challenges. The forward-looking Kenya National Innovation Agency (KENIA) recently launched the 10-year innovation masterplan that proposes a structured approach towards Kenya’s innovation goals and prioritisation over the next 10 years towards, meeting the country’s development goals.

SIN Kenya

The team works closely with other UK partners to strengthen UK’s research footprint, promote evidence-based policy making and facilitate mutually beneficial partnerships between UK and Kenya on science, technology and innovation. Our work is anchored on the UK-Kenya strategic partnership 2022-2025 that leverages on shared set of values that provides an opportunity for both countries to focus on their collective expertise, resources and leadership on five strategic pillars: Mutual Prosperity; Security and Stability; Sustainable Development; Climate Change; and People to People links (also known as the Science, Innovation and Technology -SIT pillar). The SIT pillar focuses on the following objectives:

  • Research
  • Innovation
  • Emerging technology
  • Digital transformation
  • Start-up ecosystem
  • People to people linkages

Contacts

Caroline Nyanoti

Science and Innovation Manager

Email: Caroline.Nyanoti@fcdo.gov.uk