Economy

Kenya needs Sh100 billion for research

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Prof Jacob Kaimenyi, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Science and Technology, says the country allocates Sh400 million, which is about 0.5 per cent of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to researchers for important projects, an amount which is negligible compared to the nation’s research needs and potential. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Kenya requires Sh100 billion to establish a national research system that will see it meet its socio-economic and industrial needs, says ministry.

Prof Jacob Kaimenyi, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Science and Technology, however said the country only allocates Sh400 million, which is about 0.5 per cent of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to researchers for important projects, an amount which is negligible compared to the nation’s research needs and potential.

He made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by the Principal Secretary for Education Belio Kipsang during a Stakeholders Consensus- Building Workshop on the design framework and establishment process of the National Research Fund (NRF) at a Nairobi hotel Tuesday.

The fund, established under the Science and Technology Innovation Act, 2013 will facilitate research for the advancement of science, technology and innovation.

“The fund will enable the country achieve faster development as it ensures human resource capacity development and research,” Prof Kaimenyi noted.

The Act envisages that the government sets aside two per cent of the country's GDP, which is about Sh60 billion, to provide the initial capital every financial year towards research.

Stakeholders expect additional financing to come from special allocation by Parliament, donations, endowments, grants or gifts from whatever source designated for the NRF, and levies generated from licences for research projects.

Prof Kaimenyi regretted that the government was facing challenges getting local philanthropists to invest into research.

He asked rich Kenyans to support development by investing in research.

The workshop, which was organised by Consortium for National Health Research (CNHR), Ministry of Education, drew participants from local universities and research institutions.

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