Kenyan researchers urged to innovate, develop sustainable solutions

Also, the research should address unique challenges like Climate Change, food security and health issues, which continue to plague the country.

Speaking during the Inaugural National Biennial Postgraduate Students Conference held at Maasai Mara University, Prof. Ratemo Michieka, chairperson of the board of trustees National Research Fund, said researchers are bestowed with responsibility of finding solutions to Kenyan problems.

“The world today faces a complex of challenges like technological disruptions, political instability, and climate change issues, which are discussed every single day. No one will come from another country to help you sort out the loss of biodiversity. It is you people that we rely on,” remarked Ratemo.

The meeting aimed at enabling the National Research Fund to assess the quality and progress of research projects it has funded, thereby informing future funding strategies and impact assessment of the research of postgraduate students.

“We are committed to creating the knowledge and innovation essential for the Kenyan socio-economic development across every field of research, be it science, technology, social, biological, you have the strengths of knowledge to really facilitate ideas, get solutions to shape the future of Kenya,” he added.

The conference also aimed at knowledge sharing by providing a platform for postgraduate researchers to share the latest developments, research findings and best practices in their fields.

According to Prof. Peninnah Aloo Obudho, the Vice Chancellor of Maasai Mara University, Postgraduate research is the path towards a knowledge-based economy, the direction that Kenya is taking.  

“To actualise the vision of holding this conference, we have structured our deliberations around critical sub-themes that align with the national and global development priorities, environmental sustainability and climate action, and the Masai Mara University niche is on tourism, environmental management and conservation,” said Aloo.

Africa contributes only 3 per cent to global research output, leaving 97% to other countries.

Secretary, State Department of Higher Education and Research, Dr. Carol Hunja, reiterated the importance of fostering intra-Africa collaboration to double the output to 6 per cent by 2030.

“There is a need to leverage digital tools, make them enhance your capacity and ability to carry out your studies effectively and efficiently. If you do not leverage on these technologies, we are going to continue lagging behind, because countries in the West are truly using these tools and they are working together with the tools and ensuring that they really carry out research in an effective and efficient manner,” Hunja stated.

Hunja acknowledged Kenya’s strides in expanding access to higher education over the past two decades.

 “We have indeed witnessed a remarkable increase in the number of universities, colleges and TIVETs, which have provided opportunities for many of our young people to pursue their dreams. With the current rollout of the competency-based education and training, you know that we are reviewing the curriculum to make sure that they are highly significant and relevant to ensuring that young people are skilled in what they do,” said Hunja.

The conference brought together Postgraduate researchers from local and international universities to address critical issues and challenges facing researchers in Kenya and develop strategies to tackle them.

It also addressed policies that impact industry or community advocacy for beneficial changes.