Kenya has reaffirmed its dedication to advancing science, technology, and innovation (STI) across Africa, with a strong call for increased investment in research and development. Speaking on behalf of President William Ruto at the ARISE-SD Scientific Conference in Accra, Ghana, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba emphasized the critical role of STI in driving inclusive growth on the continent.
Delivering the keynote address at the Accra International Conference Centre, CS Ogamba conveyed warm greetings from President Ruto and expressed Kenya’s appreciation to the African Academy of Sciences, the African Union Commission, and the European Union for organizing the landmark event.
He pointed out that Africa continues to lag behind in STI investments, with the continent averaging only 0.42% of GDP on research and development — far below the global average of 1.7%. “We committed to spending 1% of our GDP on research and development, yet the current average across the continent stands at only 0.42%. We must reverse this trend,” said Ogamba.
Kenya, he noted, is leading by example. The country has established a full-fledged State Department for Science, Research and Innovation and is working towards increasing STI funding from 0.7% to the AU-recommended 1% of GDP.
Highlighting Kenya’s home-grown successes including innovations in mobile money, digital entrepreneurship, and climate-smart agriculture the CS stressed that STI investments yield real-world impacts. “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.
Ogamba also underscored the importance of intra-African collaboration and international partnerships, encouraging alignment with AU Agenda 2063 and the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA) 2024–2034.
Demonstrating Kenya’s continued commitment to African-led research, Ogamba announced the country’s readiness to host the next edition of the ARISE-SD conference. “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,” he concluded.
