PS Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak poses for a group photo with key stakeholders from government, the private sector, industry, development partners and academia
The Government of Kenya has intensified efforts to strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem by convening key stakeholders ahead of the upcoming STRI4Society Week 2026. The high-level breakfast meeting, held in Nairobi, brought together representatives from government, academia, industry, the private sector, and development partners to enhance collaboration in science, technology, research, and innovation. The engagement, led by Principal Secretary Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, served as a strategic platform to align partners and mobilize support for the national event scheduled for May 18–22, 2026 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. The forum emphasized the need for increased investment, stronger partnerships, and the practical application of research to address Kenya’s development priorities
Speaking during the meeting, Prof. Abdulrazak underscored the importance of bold investment in science and innovation, noting that tangible results must accompany funding efforts to position Kenya as a globally competitive economy. He highlighted the country’s growing network of universities and research institutions as a strong foundation for scaling innovation while stressing the need for institutional capacity to effectively translate research into impact. The event also positioned STRI4Society Week as more than a one-off gathering, but rather a sustained national platform for collaboration between research, policy, industry, and society. Stakeholders were invited to participate as partners, sponsors, and exhibitors, with discussions focusing on opportunities for co-creation, visibility, and investment.
Acting Director General of National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), David Ngigi, highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen research quality and ensure innovation contributes directly to socio-economic development. Meanwhile, Dickson Andala, CEO of the National Research Fund, emphasized bridging the gap between knowledge generation and national development. On his part, Tonny Omwansa, CEO of the Kenya National Innovation Agency, described the initiative as a critical platform for transforming innovation into enterprise and real-world solutions. He noted that the event would connect innovators with investors, industry players, and policy support systems to scale impactful solutions.
TRI4Society Week 2026, themed “Igniting Innovation: Bridging Science and Society for Sustainable Development,” is expected to attract over 5,000 participants, including policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and international delegates. The programme will feature policy dialogues, keynote addresses, innovation exhibitions, and youth-focused initiatives such as STEM mentorship and innovation challenges. Stakeholders expressed strong interest in supporting the initiative through sponsorships and partnerships, citing its potential to enhance collaboration and deliver measurable outcomes. The government emphasized that the success of the initiative will depend on sustained engagement and collective action beyond the event.
As Kenya advances its development agenda under Vision 2030 , STRI4Society Week 2026 is poised to play a pivotal role in linking research to real-world impact and strengthening the country’s position in the global innovation landscape.