The National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) and The the CEO of Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) on 17th June 2020 held a joint virtual brainstorming meeting to discuss areas of collaboration and partnership between the two institutions. The team from NACOSTI comprised of Prof. Walter Oyawa (CEO), Dr. Stephen Karimi, Dr. Roy Mugiira, Ms. Emilly Ongaga, Dr. Edwardina Ndhine, Dr. David Otwoma, Mr. Stephen Situma, Mr. Gideon Kirui, Mr. Abdalla Bii, Mr. Cyrus Kamau, Mr. Denis Yegon and Ms. Rael Adhiambo. The KOTDA team comprised of Eng. John Tanui (CEO), Mr. Anthony Sang, Ms. Stella Muhoro, Ms. Josephine Ndambuki, Mr. Kenneth Kibet and Ms. Agatha Kakui.
The two institutions discussed their mandate on promoting research, science, technology, and innovation in the country as well as their role in strengthening Kenya’s innovation index. The Global Innovation Index (GII) placed Kenya at the 77th position worldwide, making it the second country in sub-Saharan Africa behind South Africa. Though this was impressive, the team noted that collaborations between ST&I actors in the country could catapult the country towards the top fifty countries worldwide. Other discussions were centred towards the role of technology under the current covid-19 pandemic and the launch of the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) which is anticipated to be regional centre for science and research.
The two institutions as a way forward committed to developing a joint steering committee that will work towards strengthening the intersecting mandate areas between NACOSTI and KOTDA.