NEW BIOTECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING AND RESEARCH CENTER TO START OPERATIONS IN KENYA

Kenya’s profile as a research and technology hub is set to receive a major boost as the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) gears to operationalize its first Regional Research Centre (RRC) in Africa. The ICGEB Regional Research Centre to be domiciled at Egerton University’s main campus in Njoro Sub-County, the second such outfit in the world after the one in China, will specialize in food safety, molecular plant [...]

VICE CHANCELLOR AND CEO’S RESEARCH AND INNOVATION FUND LAUNCHED WITH A SEED CAPITAL OF SH 10 MILLION

The VC & CEO Prof. Isaiah I.C. Wakindiki has launched the KCA University Research and Innovation fund with a seed capital of Sh 10 Million. The launch, which took place at Ruaraka Campus was presided over by CEOs and thought leaders of organizations from both the public and private sectors, led by Prof. Walter O. Oyawa, the CEO of National Commission for Science, Technology & Innovation (NACOSTI). The fund aims [...]

NACOSTI PERFORMANCE CONTRACT EVALUATION FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2022-2023

The Performance Management Unit of the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, led by Dr. Daniel Mutegi Giti, evaluated NACOSTI on the Performance Contract for FY 2022-2023 today. NACOSTI got an evaluation score of "Very Good." This evaluation outcome indicates that NACOSTI has been effective in achieving its performance targets and working towards its goals in carrying out its mandate. Prof. Raphael Munavu, Board Member and DG, Prof. Walter Oyawa [...]

BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION — WORKING GROUP ON THE STRENGTHENING OF THE CONVENTION

Kenya held a side event meeting with on US on “Addressing the Misuse of Biology and Bio-terrorism Through National Implementation” that showcased how international cooperation and assistance promote national implementation of #BioweaponsConvention. This was during the Second Meeting of the Working Group on the Strengthening of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) which to place from 7th August 2023 to 18th August 2023 in Geneva Switzerland.

KENYA IS THE BEST INVESTMENT HUB IN AFRICA, US ENVOY MEG WHITMAN SAYS

The US government has outlined some of the issues that the government needs to implement to woo more investments and strengthen the devolved system of governance, even as its ambassador to Kenya, Ms. Meg Whitman, spoke highly of Kenya’s investment opportunities, terming it as the best investment destination in Africa. Among the raft of measures include a review of its tax policy, a strengthened fight against corruption, and attractive trade [...]

2ND MULTISECTORAL CONFERENCE ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

TOP FIVE INNOVATIONS BY KENYANS IN 2022

As the world gears up for the fifth industrial revolution, innovation has been instrumental as various global powers strive to keep up with the rapidly changing world.  Governments, multinational companies, and learning institutions have all focused their efforts towards innovation geared at addressing contemporary problems.  Kenya, too, has made strides in innovation with various innovations to its name. This article summarises some of the notable innovations credited to Kenyans in 2022.  [...]

NACOSTI ENGAGES SPECIAL DEGREE AWARDING NATIONAL DEFENCE UNIVERSITY

Director Rachel led the NACOSTI team and had a very fruitful engagement with the top leadership of the National Defence University led by their Vice Chancellor Lieutenant General Jonah M I. Mwangi. National Defence University is the first Special Degree awarding University in Kenya. The NACOSTI team comprised Director Rachel Shibalira, Director General Prof. Walter Oyawa, Dr. David Njubi, Mr. Godfrey Kalerwa, Ms. Teresia Nyawira, Mr. Rollex Opondo, Mr. Javan [...]

NACOSTI AWARDED AS THE BEST STATUTORY COMMISSION ON DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND BELONGING (DEIB)

The National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) has been invited to receive a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) award and recognition (Award Category: Best Statutory Commission on DIEB) on Friday, March 3, 2023 during DIAR 5th Edition Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony to be held at Arabuko Hall, the Sarit Expo Centre, Westlands, Nairobi in a ceremony that will take place from 05:00 P.M to 10:00 P.M [...]

MEETING WITH THE AGRICULTURAL AND LIVESTOCK PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE ON GMOs

The Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock of the Kenyan National Assembly organized a forum to converse about genetically modified organisms in Kenya from January 17 through January 21, 2023. The meetings with various institutions (both government and non-government) were to determine whether: GM foods are safe for human consumptions; GM crops have negative effects on the environment; GM foods will boost food security in the country; and the laws [...]

KENYA PARTICIPATES IN THE AFRICAN HIGH-LEVEL POLICY MEETING, CAIRO, EGYPT

The IAEA Deputy Director General of Technical Cooperation Hua Liu(center) with some of the Ministers and ambassadors that attended the 2nd HLPM in Cairo Egypt Kenya, through NACOSTI, was among the countries that attended the 2nd High Level Policy Meeting (HLPM) of the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development, and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA) Agreement in Cairo, Egypt, from the 5th to the 8th of [...]

NACOSTI STAFF ACCEPTED FOR TOP LEVEL TRAINING BY THE US STATE DEPARTMENT, IN DAKAR, SENEGAL

The United States Department of State’s Office of Weapons of Mass Destruction Terrorism (WMDT) has organized a five (5)-day in-person training on Foundational Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Investigations for Law Enforcement in Dakar, Senegal from 11th to 16th December 2022. Mr. Denis Yegon, ICT - NACOSTIMr. Phelix Awuor, ICT - NACOSTI Participants have been selected from Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal. Mr. Denis Yegon and Mr. Phelix Pire of [...]

KENYAN RESEARCHERS SELECTED FOR THE 14TH HOPE MEETING WITH NOBEL LAUREATES ORGANIZED BY JSPS

Following invitation by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), NACOSTI as the sole national regulatory authority on science, technology, and innovation, successfully nominated Dr. Tabitha Amollo from Egerton University, Department of Physics and Nathan Okoth Oduor from University of Embu, Department of Soil Science, Water and Agricultural Resource Management/ Agriculture for the HOPE meeting. The two scholars will be attending the 14th HOPE Meeting with Nobel Laureates [...]

KENYA’S RENOWNED YOUTH INNOVATOR TOPS IN PRESIDENTIAL INNOVATION AWARDS IN EAST AFRICA

Presidential Innovation Awards Winner from Kenya, Mr. Joseph Nguthuri (far left) being awarded his dummy cheque by Her Excellency the Vice President of Uganda, Hon. Jessica Alupo (centre), assisted by the Chairman of EASTECO Governing Board/DG NACOSTI-Kenya, Prof. Walter Oyawa (far right). Also present were the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Uganda, the Minister of Transport, Uganda, the Minister for Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Permanent [...]

REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BWC IN EASTERN AFRICA

A Regional Workshop on the universalization and effective implementation of the Biological Weapons for East Africa was held in Mombasa, Kenya, on 18-19 October 2022. The event was organized by UNODA’s Implementation Support Unit for the Biological Weapons Convention, in collaboration with the Government of Kenya through the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI). With close to 100 participants from Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Somalia, [...]

KENYA SAFE FROM DISEASE-CAUSING ORGANISMS, SCIENTISTS SAY

Foodstuff and the environment in Kenya are at the moment safe from dangers posed by harmful organisms that cause diseases, the national science and innovations regulator has assured. The National Commission of Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) says it has ensured that research institutions in Kenya do not mishandle the pathogens in their laboratories. Pathogens are disease-causing agents that scientists keep studying to establish disease patterns (epidemiology) with a view of coming [...]

UNIVERSITIES CHALLENGED TO MAKE USE OF UNESCO RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS

Prof. Hubert Gijzen, the Director and Representative of UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa has called on researchers to contribute to the dissemination of UNESCO’s normative instruments.  He spoke on September 28, 2022, during the official opening of the 2nd Joint Annual Research Ethics Conference which is co-hosted by Daystar University, the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NACOSTI), and Daystar University Institutional Scientific and Ethics Review Committee (DU-ISERC). Prof. [...]

INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS, UK PAYS COURTESY CALL ON DG NACOSTI

From left, Dr. David Njubi, Ag. Director Scheduled Sciences-NACOSTI, Rachel Youngman, Deputy Chief Executive, Institute of Physics-UK, Ms.Evelyn Mbaabu, Principal Analyst Humanities and Social Sciences-NACOSTI, Dominic Hurley, Head of International Relations, Institute of Physics-UK, Prof. Walter Oyawa, Director General-NACOSTI. The National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) was honored to host Madam Rachel Youngman, the Deputy Chief Executive and Mr. Dominic Hurley, the Head of International Relations of the [...]

NACOSTI AND KMFRI TECHNICAL STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

The NACOSTI Board and Management with KMFRI Management during the Technical Stakeholder engagement at KMFRI Mombasa. The NACOSTI Board and Management, led by Prof. Raphael Manavu, a Board Member, conducted a technical stakeholder engagement visit to Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) in Mombasa on Friday, July 29, 2022. Prof. James Njiru, CEO of KMFRI, was represented by Dr. Melckzedeck Osore, who welcomed the delegation on his behalf. The discussion [...]

NACOSTI BECOMES A MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE COUNCIL

Welcome to the International Science Council, the lobal voice for science. Together we will advance science as a lobal public good. The ISC is the only international NGO bringing together over 200 international natural and The International Science Council (ISC) is a non-governmental organization with a unique global membership that brings together 40 international scientific Unions and Associations and over 140 national and regional scientific organizations including Academies and Research [...]

NACOSTI ACCEPTED AS A MEMBER OF ISC

National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) is now a member of the International Science Council (ISC) following recommendation from the Kenya National Academy of Sciences (KNAS). The ISC is the only international NGO bringing together over 200 international natural and social science unions and associations as well as national and regional scientific organizations including academies, research councils, institutes and foundations. As a member organization of the ISC, NACOSTI [...]

KENYA HOSTS TWO-DAY EAST AFRICA STAKEHOLDERS’ WORKSHOP IN NAIROBI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEkRYKu0Aq4

HIGH-LEVEL FRENCH DELEGATION PAYS COURTESY CALL TO NACOSTI

The French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) representatives led by the President and CEO Prof Antoine Petit and the Attaché for Science and Higher Education at the Embassy of France in Kenya Dr. Mathieu Guérin paid a courtesy call to the Director General, the National Commission for Science Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), Prof. Walter Oyawa on 22/06/2022 at the headquarters of the commission. The consultative meeting was also graced [...]

KENYAN INNOVATOR, SCHOLAR GET TOP UK HONOURS

Ms Norah Magero and Prof Yotto Ochieng. The aura of confidence is discernible as one meets Norah Magero. Having being crowned the Royal Academy Engineering’s 2022 winner due to her ingenuity, Magero is sitting on the innovator’s pedestal. The bubbly innovator of a solar-powered fridge – VacciBox – used for storage of vaccines, received the news on Wednesday and is still savouring the success of hard work and resilience fuelled [...]

OUTSTANDING SCIENTIST APPOINTED FELLOW OF INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE COUNCIL

National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) Director General/CEO Prof. Walter Oyawa has been appointed a fellow of the International Science Council. He is among 66 Foundation Fellows who were recognized for their outstanding contributions to promoting science as a global public good. The Fellowship is the highest honor that can be conferred on an individual by the International Science Council. The first cohort of Fellows includes distinguished scientists, [...]

ICGEB ESTABLISHES FIRST REGIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE IN AFRICA

In a letter addressed to Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and copied to the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education Prof. George Magoha, the Principal Secretary Amb. Simon Nabukwesi and the Director General of NACOSTI, Prof. Walter Oyawa, the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) has announced the award to Egerton University to host the 1st ICGEB Regional Research Centre in Africa and its 2nd in the world after [...]

ICIPE DIRECTOR GENERAL RECEIVES ONE OF THE UNITED STATES MOST IMPORTANT ACCOLADES

icipe Director General & Chief Executive Officer, Dr Segenet Kelemu, is the 2022 International Recipient of the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor. The medals, which were established in 1986 by the Ellis Island Honors Society (EIHS), are among the United States most renowned awards. They are officially recognised by the US Senate and House of Representatives, and all the recipients are listed in the Congressional Records; the official record of [...]

KENYA PARTICIPATE IN PREPARATORY COMMITTEE MEETING FOR THE NINTH REVIEW CONFERENCE OF THE BWC

Kenya’s Delegation during the Preparatory Committee Meeting for the Ninth Review Conference in April 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland. The preparatory committee meeting for the Ninth Review Conference of the Biological and Toxins Weapons Convention (BWC) was held from 4th to 11th April 2022, in Geneva, Switzerland. Kenya was represented by H.E Amb. Cleopa Mailu (Head of Permanent mission), as the head of the delegation, Prof. Walter Oyawa (Director General, NACOSTI, [...]

ICGEB VISIT TO KENYA

Hosting of second ICGEB Regional Research Centre. From 31 January – 4 February 2022, ICGEB Director-General Dr Lawrence Banks led an international Review and Assessment Committee conducting site visits to three shortlisted Kenyan Universities proposing to host an ICGEB Regional Research Centre (RRC) in Kenya. The RRC is envisaged to play a key role in serving Kenya and the East Africa region. The International Review Committee, hosted by Prof Walter Oyawa (Director General [...]

NACOSTI HOLDS INDUCTION RETREAT FOR NEW BOARD MEMBERS

NACOSTI received three new board members following their appointment by The Cabinet Secretary responsible for matters of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) through Gazette Notice No. 10692 dated 5th October 2021. The three are; Prof. Francis Muregi, Ms. Rachel Shibalira and Prof. Rapahel Munavu, following the expiry of the term of the previous Board on 5th December 2020. The board and management retreat was organized for the members to be [...]

VISIT BY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR -UK CENTRE FOR ECOLOGY AND HYDROLOGY TO NACOSTI

Figure 1:Left to Right Prof. Mark Bailey Executive Director UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Deputy Director & Science Director Prof. Alan Jenkins paid a courtesy call to the Director General, NACOSTI Prof. Walter Oyawa at the Commission headquarters on 7th March 2022. UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology Executive Director Prof. Mark J. Bailey accompanied by Deputy Director and Science Director Prof. Alan Jenkins, paid a courtesy call to [...]

KENYA SPACE AGENCY AG. DIRECTOR GENERAL PAYS A COURTESY CALL TO THE DIRECTOR GENERAL NACOSTI

From Left to Right: Mr. Stephen Situma (NACOSTI), Col. Andrew Nyawade (KSA), Prof. Walter Oyawa (Director General NACOSTI), Lt. Col Mercy Kamau (KSA), Col. Hilary B. Kipkosgey (Ag. Director General KSA), Mr. Charles Mwangi (KSA), and Mr. Chepkonga Komen (NACOSTI) On Wednesday, 23rd February 2022, Col. Hilary B. Kipkosgey, the Ag. Director General, Kenya Space Agency (KSA), paid a courtesy call on Prof. Walter Oyawa, the Director General NACOSTI to [...]

DR. LAWRENCE BANKS, DG ICGEB, PAID A COURTESY CALL TO PROF WALTER OYAWA, DG NACOSTI

ICGEB REGIONAL RESEARCH CENTRES MISSION TO KENYA

REMARKS TO THE 2021 BWC MEETING OF STATES PARTIES

Remarks to the 2021 Biological Weapons Convention Meeting of States Parties RemarksAmbassador Bonnie Denise Jenkins, Under Secretary For Arms Control And International Security 2021 Biological Weapons Convention Meeting Of States Parties Geneva, SwitzerlandNovember 22, 2021 (As prepared) Mr. Chairman, The Biological Weapons Convention is one of the key international security agreements that guard against the threat of weapons of mass destruction. It is an honor for me to join you [...]

SIR PETER GLUCKMAN, BECOMES PRESIDENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE COUNCIL

Peter Gluckman, an internationally recognized biomedical scientist and former Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of New Zealand and recently retired chair of the International network for Government Science Advice, becomes President of the International Science Council. Motoko Kotani becomes President-Elect.  Peter Gluckman has become President of the International Science Council (ISC), taking up the position as head of the ISC’s Governing Board for a three year mandate. Gluckman assumes [...]

THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY (CTBTO) DR. ROBERT FLOYD VISITS THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION HQs

The Executive Secretary CTBTO paid a courtesy call to the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education Prof. George Maghoha who was represented by the Principal Secretary, State Department of University Education and Research (SDUER), Amb. Simon Nabukwesi. The Executive Secretary held fruitful discussions with the PS that touched on the important role Kenya is playing in keeping the world safe from nuclear tests by hosting two International Monitoring Systems (IMS) stations, [...]

KENYAN SCHOLAR ELECTED TO GOVERNING BOARD OF GLOBAL SCIENCE COUNCIL

Kenyan universities will now find it easy to forge international partnerships, secure research funding and also improve their rankings after the country joined Governing Board of International Science Council (ISC). National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) Chief Executive Walter Oyawa has been elected to sit on the crucial organ, opening doors for global partnerships for local institutions and experts. ISC is an international non-governmental organisation that works to [...]

HON. LESUUDA NAISULA PAYS COURTESY CALL ON DIRECTOR GENERAL, NACOSTI

Hon. Lesuuda Naisula paid a courtesy call to Prof. Walter O. Oyawa, Director General, NACOSTI, on Monday, 18th October 2021

NACOSTI DG APPOINTED TO THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE COUNCIL

New Governing Board elected to provide scientific and strategic leadership to the International Science Council. A new Governing Board has been appointed to lead the International Science Council, an international non-governmental organization that works to provide a global voice for science in the coming three years. . The Governing Board is a central decision-making body of the Council, which was formed in 2018 by the merger of the International Council [...]

VISIT BY UNESCO REGIONAL DIRECTOR TO NACOSTI

UNESCO Regional Director for Eastern Africa and Representative to Kenya Prof. Hubert Gijzen accompanied by Sam Partey a Program Specialist at UNESCO Regional office for Eastern Africa paid a courtesy call to the Director General for National Commission for Science Technology and Innovation Prof. Walter Oyawa on 13th October 2021 at the Commission’s headquarters. During the meeting, there were opportune discussions on possible areas of partnership and linkages regarding Science, [...]

SCHOLARS CALL FOR ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Daystar University vice-chancellor has stressed the need to give emphasis to ethics, integrity and quality in research. Prof Laban Ayiro and other scholars emphasised the need for academic honesty, saying it was critical for education to make an impact. “Total lack of ethics will carry itself with you as you walk around telling people that you have a PhD, yet you know that the ethical standards of your PhD are false,” said [...]

MULTISECTORAL CONFERENCE ON STI

Chief Guest (Dr. Sarah Ruto), Principal Secretary (Amb. Simon Nabukwesi), Members of the High Level Panel on STI, and Director General(Prof. Walter Oyawa) during the Multisectoral Conference on STI

MULTI-SECTORAL CONFERENCE ON STI

Chief Administrative Secretary Dr. Sarah Ruto delivers Keynote Address on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary, Prof. George Magoha

HIS EXCELLENCY THE AMBASSADOR OF IRAN – H.E JAFAR BARMAKI PAID A COURTESY CALL TO OUR DIRECTOR GENERAL – PROF. WALTER OYAWA

Earlier today on 14th December 2020, His Excellency the Ambassador of Iran - H.E Jafar Barmaki paid a courtesy call to our Director General - Prof. Walter Oyawa. In the meeting there were timely discussions on areas of partnership to utilize and promote STI in Kenya and between Iran and Kenya.

THE KEY PRINCIPLES FOR SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHING

The International Science Council through its Members have identified a total of eight key principles for scientific publishing. This paper is complemented by a second, evaluating the extent to which the principles are attained and identifying opportunities for reform. In 2019, the International Science Council asked its Members to identify key contemporary issues for science. Scientific publishing emerged as the most important “policy for science”, leading to its adoption as a priority [...]

CHARTING THE FUTURE OF SCIENCE: REFORMING SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHING FOR A NEW ERA OF OPEN KNOWLEDGE

Geoffrey Boulton, Governing Board member and chair of the Future of Scientific Publishing, presents the new discussion paper, The Case for Reform of Scientific Publishing and invites ISC Members to contribute to the dialogue. Science, understood inclusively to encompass all forms of knowledge and understanding created through rigorous research and scholarship, is both the greatest intellectual achievement and a defining characteristic of our species homo sapiens.  The advancement of knowledge [...]

AFRA PROJECT COUNTERPARTS MEETING

NACOSTI as the AFRA National Coordinator held a meeting for project counterparts at the NACOSTI Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya on November 28-29, 2023. The meeting brought together AFRA project counterparts and project alternates to discuss progress and updates on various AFRA-funded projects across different thematic areas. The two-day AFRA counterparts meeting provided a platform for useful exchange on project progress and challenges within different nuclear application domains in Kenya. Crosscutting [...]