Yesterday, I co-chaired the 2nd Steering Committee Meeting of the HARNESSING EDUCATION RESEARCH FOR IMPACT IN AFRICA HERI AFRICA Program at the Commission for University Education, where members reviewed progress made during the preparatory phase and outlined priorit investment areas for July–December 2026. The Committee deliberated on key issues including education research policy and financing, the programme’s financial performance, lessons from the South Africa learning mission, the Terms of Reference for the #HERI Africa Advisory Committee, and the framework for onboarding Research Chairs. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of strengthening higher education, research and innovation ecosystems through enhanced regional collaboration, sustainable financing, and strategic partnerships to drive Africa’s socio-economic transformation. @nrfkenya @kisiuniofficial @KenyattaUni @mizizielimu @ElimuAfrika @APHRC @ESSA @university @ResearchKU @CUE @nacosti

KenyaIndustrialResearch and Development Institute @kirdi_kenya has a special place in our ecosystem towards industrialization. Delighted to visit & interacted with the Board, management and scientists. I witnessed several technologies and innovation - encouraged the institution to accelerate the commercialization of innovations, strengthen partnerships with industry, position science & technology as key drivers of the country's industrial transformation. I toured research laboratories, inspected the KIRDI Techno Centre (#V2030 flagship innovation and technology commercialization facility currently under construction) and held interactive sessions with scientists & researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the institute's research, technology development and #commercialization initiatives. One thing was clear - we need to enhance funding levels with domestic financing to leverage on donor funding. A urgent need to scale up and scale out innovation. I commend KIRDI scientists for developing practical innovations that respond to national challenges and support Kenya's manufacturing and industrialization agenda. I further encouraged scientists and management, to look into mechanisms to moving beyond knowledge generation and focus on transforming scientific discoveries into commercially viable products, businesses and jobs - impact in the society. The @ScienceState is spearheading the establishment of national innovation #clusters by mapping the unique areas of specialization across Kenya's public & private and institutions to foster stronger collaboration among universities, research, TVETs, industry & development partners. The clusters will serve as centres of excellence for industrial development, enabling institutions to pool expertise, share resources and accelerate technology transfer and commercialization. The Government is committed in supporting Research, Innovation and Development to at least 1% of GDP. I observed that while 🇰🇪has abundant scientific talent and innovative ideas, the country must strengthen pathways that move innovations from laboratories to the marketplace. I urged researchers to embrace entrepreneurship & work more closely with industry to unlock the full economic value of research. I further challenged @kirdi_kenya to document and communicate the impact of its technologies by showcasing enterprises and communities whose livelihoods have improved through the institute's innovations. @nacosti @kalromkulima @SciforAfrica @sri_kenya @KmfriResearch

piped.video/Y9r4L6IhkOI?si=0vco… Innovation is the engine of socioeconomic transformation @OUK

Today, during High-Level Exchange Event on Bioeconomy at @ICRAF #Nairobi 🇰🇪 I delivered my presentation virtually from 🇩🇪 - “The Government views tree-powered bioeconomies as a strategic opportunity for achieving climate resilience, green industrialization and job creation. Through the @ScienceRI_Kenya - we are supporting research, innovation and commercialization through initiatives such as BioInnovate Africa, ABDK and BIO-KE. Most importantly, we are coordinating the development of Kenya’s National Bioeconomy Strategy, which will provide the policy framework needed to connect research institutions, universities, industry, investors and development partners around a common vision for bioeconomy development. I believe that trees should not only be viewed as environmental assets, but as drivers of innovation, enterprise development and sustainable economic growth.” @chuka__uni @PU_Kilifi @icipe @nacosti @nrfkenya @JamesJkahindi @SciforAfrica @BiovIntCIAT_eng @Bioeconomy_EU @EUinKenya @KEFRIHQ @kalromkulima @AFRAAfrica

Last week over dinner, my evening was enriched with productive stimulating discussion with brilliant African intellectuals- great minds from Continent including those in the Diaspora. It was during the Grand Challenge Annual meeting - a place where we witness cross fertilization of ideas - take full advantage of brain circulation. I appreciated thier great contributions in areas of science, Research and Innovation- creating jobs and opportunities for wealth creation and positive impact. R&D to commercialization. Exploring more opportunities on re-investing in Africa. Kenya Grand Challenge initiative loading…. @Afroscientist @jordankyongo @DrMenghis @ScienceRI_Kenya @nacosti @nrfkenya @ISC @FCDOResearch @wellcometrust @KenyaMissionUK @gatesfoundation @imperialcollege @pthigo @SingoeiAKorir @MusaliaMudavadi

While accompanying H.E Dr @MusaliaMudavadi in 🇰🇷 on the margins Held a productive meeting with Dr. Park Jin - Distinguished Professor at #KAIST, Chair of the Center's Advisory Committee on Science Diplomacy @kaistpr former Korean Foreign Minister. Discussed on strengthening Science Diplomacy between 🇰🇪 and 🇰🇷 including supporting @Kenya_aist as centre of excellence. Areas of focus includes Health, Environment, Agriculture, Energy including nuclear, and AI. Explored areas of capability building and mobility of researchers and scientists of two countriee. Agreed to enhance capacity building of Human Resources. I appreciated his vast experience and advise on how to take the @sri_kenya to next level as a national hub on coordination of matters related to science, research, technology and Innovation - building bridges between #Science and #Diplomacy #Researchchairs #GrandChallenge #Clusters. @KENIAupdates @nacosti @nrfkenya @IAEATC @UNESCO @SciforAfrica @SingoeiAKorir @TWASnews @gatesfoundation @pthigo

It was an honor to host H.E. Dr. @MusaliaMudavadi Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora affairs at closing ceremony of the inaugural #STRI4SocietyWeek. The PCS gave an assuarance of Government Commitment to fund and support research and innovation to the tune of 2% of GDP. Encouraged the researchers to address societal issues and demonstrate impact of research. Made a strong appeal to the industry and private sector to leverage on government initiatives. He launched the Masterplan for research financing and capacity strengthening, applaud the #Grandchallenge Kenya initiative as a game changer - with support from @SciforAfrica The PCS took time to visit the exhibition stands - showcasing Kenya’s innovation and research ecosystem. Under the leadership of H.E. President Dr. @WilliamsRuto 🇰🇪 is on the trajectory of first world class status and STRI is the engine. I thank him for his exemplary leadership and continued support. Big thanks to our partners and stakeholders in STRI ecosystem. @ScienceRI_Kenya #STRI4Society @nacosti @KENIAupdates @nrfkenya @TWASnews @ItalyinKenya @EUAmbKenya @afri_isaaa @gatesfoundation @NRF_News @OfficePCS_KE

The Inaugural opening of the Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Society Week 2026 (#STRI4SocietyWeek) at KICC marked a powerful moment of collaboration, innovation, and commitment towards building a knowledge-driven future for Kenya and Africa. 1/2

Thank you @SteveIsaboke for your support and participation. Your keynote was well received during @STRI4Society #STRI4Societyweek @ScienceRI_Kenya

Let’s continue to position @STRI4Society. Public and private financing is vital to support the ecosystem towards commercialization of research and innovation for socioeconomic transformation. @nacosti @MusaliaMudavadi @OfficePCS_KE @KENIAupdates @CoastNewspaper @ScienceRI_Kenya @KEPSA_KENYA @nrfkenya @TWASnews @ISC @AASciences @SciforAfrica

This afternoon, I joined my colleague, the Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation, @Profshaukat in a breakout session during the Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Society Week 2026. Alongside scientists, communicators, policymakers & innovators, we reflected on how science communication must evolve to remain accessible and relevant in today’s fast-moving digital environment, using mobile-first and citizen-centred approaches that make complex research easier to understand without losing accuracy. @STRI4Society

Honoured to represent Hon. @GovLeeKinyanjui the CS, Investment, Trade and Industry - delivered his statement at the opening ceremony — AI Everything Kenya x GITEX Kenya @AI_EverythiKE #Sarit In his statement the CS indicated that “Kenya has strong foundations. Our digital economy has grown through practical innovation — mobile money, digital public services, fintech, and an active startup ecosystem that has expanded into agritech, health technology, and climate innovation” Under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, the Government of 🇰🇪 has worked to create an enabling environment for investment through investor facilitation, Special Economic Zones and industrial parks, improvements to the ease of doing business, expanded digital public services, and Kenya’s positioning as a competitive location for technology-enabled production and services. He recognized Ms. #TrixieLohMirmand for her leadership in expanding the #GITEX platform globally and for the confidence shown in Kenya. Thanked Amb. @pthigo for his leadership. @OfficePCS_KE @MusaliaMudavadi @SingoeiAKorir @nacosti @KENIAupdates @ScienceRI_Kenya @nrfkenya @MITIKenya

Day 2 at @STRI4Society - conversation continues to align #SRI as engine of Kenya transformation to first world class - no one should be left behind. I emphasized that- this generation will be remembered as the generation that transformed research into prosperity and innovation into dignity for society. Kenya therefore stands ready to continue championing #science as a tool for peace, development and shared global prosperity. Thanks to Amb @EUAmbKenya @ItalyinKenya for gracing the occasion. #STRI4Societyweek @nrfkenya @KENIAupdates @nacosti @pthigo @OfficePCS_KE @MusaliaMudavadi @TWASnews @AASciences @SciforAfrica

“Science means humanity.” A powerful reminder from H.E. Vincenzo Del Monaco, Ambassador of Italy to Kenya during #STRI4SocietyWeek on the need to ensure science and innovation remain people-centred and solution-driven. From health and sustainability to technology and development, the discussions underscored the importance of research and collaboration in building a better future for society. #stri4society #kenia #enablinginnovation

Day 2 #STRI4Society

@nacosti @ScienceRI_Kenya 🇰🇪 organized a #STEM Mentorship and Olympiad competition that brought together senior and #highschool students aged 15 to 18 years from 10 schools in Nairobi County's informal settlements. This event is designed to engage both boys and girls and foster their interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. I had a fantastic time giving the motivation talk. - my message- you must Belive in yourself, believe is possible, take action, set goals, persistence & perseverance. Our youth are co-pilots on trajectory to first world class country and STRI is the engine. #STRI4Societyweek #STRI4Society @sri_kenya @nrfkenya @KENIAupdates @EduMinKenya @OfficePCS_KE

Day 1 #STRI4Society