The Government of Kenya has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to strengthening science, technology and innovation (STI) as critical pillars for sustainable development and economic transformation.

Speaking on behalf of President William Ruto, Cabinet Secretary for Education, Julius Migos Ogamba, delivered a keynote address at the official opening of the ARISE-SD Scientific Conference held at the Accra International Conference Centre, Ghana.

In his address, CS Ogamba conveyed President Ruto’s warm greetings to the Government and people of Ghana and expressed Kenya’s appreciation to the African Academy of Sciences, African Union Commission and the European Union for convening the conference.

He called for renewed commitment across the continent to invest in science and research, noting that despite Africa’s vast potential, investment in research and development remains significantly below the global average.

“We committed to spending 1pc of our GDP on research and development, yet the current average across the continent stands at only 0.42pc, compared to the global average of 1.7pc. We must reverse this trend,” said CS Ogamba.

Kenya’s deliberate efforts to increase STI investments were highlighted, including the establishment of a full-fledged State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, and the commitment to raise STI funding from the current 0.7pc to the AU-recommended 1% of GDP.

CS Ogamba also emphasized the importance of intra-African cooperation and global partnerships to scale up innovation, tackle common challenges, and achieve inclusive growth.

“Africa holds some of the world’s greatest endowments – youthful population, arable land, rich biodiversity – but these alone are not enough. We must invest in applied knowledge,” he said.

He noted Kenya’s own experience with home-grown innovations that have advanced financial inclusion, digital entrepreneurship, climate-smart agriculture and food security as proof that investing in STI delivers tangible benefits.

Kenya, the proud host of the African Academy of Sciences, expressed willingness to host the next edition of the ARISE-SD conference, further demonstrating its leadership and belief in African-led research excellence.

As the conference deliberates on continental strategies, the Ministry of Education encourages all participants to align their actions with the goals of AU Agenda 2063 and the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA) 2024–2034.

“Let us forge a bold, African-owned, globally connected pact — grounded in action, driven by science, and centered on the dignity and prosperity of our people,” concluded the Education CS.
Original article published in KBC Digital.