Nairobi: The National Research Fund (NRF) is advocating for the Kenyan government to significantly increase its budget allocation for research and development. NRF Chairman Ratemo Michieka stated that currently, the fund only receives 2% of the GDP, which is insufficient for fostering a robust national innovation system in Science and Technology.

According to Kenya News Agency, speaking at the 2023 Science Granting Council Initiative (SGCI) Annual Forum, Michieka emphasized the importance of research as a driver of national development. He highlighted the necessity of collaborative efforts to address common challenges faced by African nations, such as water scarcity, food security, and health issues.

NRF’s CEO, Dickson Andala, noted that while the government allocates 2% of the GDP to research, only 0.8% is utilized, indicating a gap in the financial support needed for impactful research. Andala pointed out that 19 universities are currently benefiting from this funding, contributing significantly to academic and scientific knowledge.

Andala stressed the need for increased research funding and called for stronger collaborations between research institutions, universities, and the private sector. He also advocated for investment in training for researchers to keep them abreast of new methodologies and advancements.

The SGCI Annual Forum provides a platform for discussing ways to gather financial and material resources to support research initiatives. The forum is expected to contribute insights to the Global Research Council’s 2024 Annual Meeting, which will focus on ‘Effective Research Contributions towards Sustainable Development’.