Kenya calls for stronger research and innovation ecosystems at Technical University of Mombasa Conference
Date: 2026-04-15
By: Kanto Kai Okanta
Kenya
has renewed its call for universities to play a central role in addressing
societal challenges through research and innovation, as stakeholders gathered
for the 7th multidisciplinary conference at the Technical University of
Mombasa.
The
conference, held under the theme “Transforming Lives Through Research,
Innovation and Sustainable Partnerships,” was officiated by Prof. Shaukat
Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Science, Research
and Innovation.
In
his address, Prof. Abdulrazak emphasized the importance of strengthening the
linkages between academia, industry, government, and society to drive impactful
innovation and sustainable development. He noted that universities must go
beyond teaching to become hubs of problem-solving and technological
advancement.
He
highlighted the institution’s historical evolution from a technical training
institute to a fully-fledged university, describing it as part of a broader
national trajectory toward building innovation-driven ecosystems.
The
Principal Secretary also pointed to the untapped potential of Kenya’s coastal
region, stressing the need to leverage natural resources through cutting-edge
research and technology to unlock economic value.
He
reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing investment in research and
development, targeting funding levels of between one and two percent of GDP,
alongside efforts to significantly scale up doctoral-level training to
strengthen the country’s knowledge base.
The
conference brought together researchers, academics, and industry stakeholders
to explore ways of enhancing collaboration and translating research into
practical solutions that contribute to national and regional development.
