The government has reaffirmed its commitment to increasing its investment in research and development (R&D), with a target of allocating 1% of the country’s GDP towards research. This represents an increase from the current 0.8%, which equates to approximately Ksh100 billion.
Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation, made this announcement on Monday during a high-level Stakeholders Breakfast Meeting convened by the department. The meeting is part of the lead-up to the Science, Technology, Research, and Innovation Week for Society (STRI4Society) 2026 scheduled to take place from May 18th to 22nd, 2025, at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC).
The PS emphasized that the government is not only aiming to increase the funding to 1% of GDP, but eventually to 2%.
“We are looking forward to increasing our investment to 1% of GDP, and eventually to 2%,” Prof. Abdulrazak said.
He added that the government is also focused on building the capacity to train an adequate number of researchers within the country.
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“In line with this, the government is working towards achieving a target of 100 PhDs per million people over the coming years. Additionally, a “cluster approach” will be adopted, establishing research chairs focused on key areas such as human health, food security, and ICT among others, to address pressing societal challenges and drive growth in all sectors.” Prof. Shaukat noted
According to the organisers, the STRI4Society Week will attract over 5,000 delegates who include policymakers, researchers, innovators, investors and international delegates.
It will also feature the presentation of 300 research papers and showcase more than 100 booths highlighting excellent research from both Kenya and around the world.
Prof. Abdulrazak urged institutions and stakeholders to demonstrate Kenya’s potential when research, policy, and industry collaborate effectively. The event theme is “Igniting Innovation-Bridging Science and Society for Sustainable Development.”
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The PS emphasized that STRI4Society Week must serve as a platform for results, partnerships, and national transformation.
It will serve as a space where innovators can connect with industry leaders, investors, and policymakers, providing the support necessary to scale solutions to Kenya’s most pressing challenges.
The event will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss how science and innovation can positively impact society, spur economic growth, create job opportunities, and be effectively commercialized.
It will also provide a platform to showcase the societal impact of science through collaborations between universities, research institutions, and the private sector, highlighting how academic and research communities can work together for the betterment of society.
By Obegi Malack
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