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PS Prof. Shaukat urged moving research from shelves to market for job creation.
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He called for collaboration via Kenya SRI Synergy Blueprint for commercialization.
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TVETs urged to establish hubs to nurture young innovators for economic prosperity.
By KIMUTAI LANGAT
Research should not remain confined to academic libraries but must be translated into practical solutions that improve livelihoods and create jobs, Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak has said.
Speaking at the opening of the 14th Rift Valley Technical Training Institute International Conference 2026, Prof. Shaukat called for stronger collaboration between government, academia, industry and communities to ensure innovations reach the marketplace.
“This is where the concept of research-to-market becomes critical. Research that remains on library shelves has limited value. Research that creates jobs, improves productivity, enhances livelihoods and solves societal challenges creates impact,” he said.
The PS said the government is promoting stronger linkages among stakeholders through the Kenya Science, Research and Innovation (SRI) Synergy Blueprint to strengthen the innovation value chain from idea generation to commercialization.
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He urged institutions to establish innovation and incubation hubs, intellectual property support systems and commercialization platforms to nurture young innovators.
“We are committed to strengthening the innovation value chain from idea generation to commercialization so that innovations move beyond laboratories into society where they can make a real difference,” he said.
Prof. Shaukat observed that Kenya’s youthful population presents a major opportunity for economic transformation if supported through skills development and innovation.
“With more than 75 per cent of our population below the age of 35, we have an enormous demographic dividend. Without skills, innovation and productive opportunities, however, that dividend can become a challenge,” he warned.
He commended TVET institutions for helping convert demographic potential into economic prosperity through practical training and entrepreneurship development.
The conference theme focused on the role of research and innovation in advancing sustainable development, with participants exploring strategies for strengthening technical education and accelerating industrial growth through innovation.
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