Head of Public Service Officially Opens Inaugural Kenya National Research Festival
On 21st August 2024, the Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, Felix Koskei, inaugurated the first-ever Kenya National Research Festival (KNRF) at The Edge Convention Centre, Nairobi. The event brought together a distinguished audience, including members of the diplomatic corps led by British High Commissioner H.E. Neil Wigan, Principal Secretaries, development partners, and representatives from various sectors—public, private, and non-governmental organisations.
Under the theme “Research Partnership and Collaborations for Social Economic Development,” the festival gathered researchers, professionals, and practitioners from across the nation. Koskei underscored the critical role of research in national development, stating that sound research, information, and data are the bedrock of Kenya’s progress. He emphasized that research transforms curiosity into knowledge, and knowledge into power—power that drives innovation, fuels progress, and helps nations tackle their developmental challenges.
The festival provided a platform for meaningful discussions, promoting partnerships and collaborations that are vital for development in today's interconnected world. Koskei particularly highlighted the inclusion of young scientists and over 200 students from across Kenya's 47 counties, stressing the importance of youth in shaping the future of research and development in the country.
At the event, Koskei also addressed the recently introduced higher education funding model, calling it a pivotal step in shaping Kenya’s future. He emphasized that the model aims to democratize access to higher education, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of deserving students. "The new higher education funding model is not just a financial tool but a means of social justice," he stated. "It is designed to open doors for every bright and determined Kenyan student, regardless of their socio-economic background."
He urged public servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in implementing the model, stressing that transparency and accountability are crucial for the effective use of public resources. "The success of this model depends on our collective commitment," Koskei added. "We must remain vigilant, responsive, and willing to learn at every step. The future of our education system hinges on our ability to listen, adapt, and ensure this funding model serves its intended purpose."
Koskei also discussed the importance of collaboration and partnerships in addressing global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and social inequality. He emphasized that interdisciplinary research initiatives are essential in pursuing both the Global Sustainable Development Goals (GSDGs) and Kenya’s national aspirations. These initiatives, he noted, foster innovation by bringing together diverse perspectives that can overcome the limitations of any single field.
The government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) was highlighted as a strategy that leverages research to harness local knowledge and technologies. Koskei cited examples such as the development of drought-resistant crops, advancements in geothermal energy, and the integration of traditional medicine with modern healthcare as evidence of research driving sustainable progress.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a strong research culture through collaborations between academia, industry, and government. Koskei stressed the importance of technology and communication in accelerating research and achieving sustainable development. He mentioned that cutting-edge technologies like Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and blockchain are essential tools for Kenya's journey towards a knowledge-based economy.
In conclusion, Koskei called for strong linkages between researchers and industry, emphasizing that research is crucial for developing homegrown solutions and products. He reiterated the government’s vision of "Buy Kenya, Build Kenya," which he noted relies heavily on research outcomes. With these remarks, he officially declared the Kenya National Research Festival open and wished all participants fruitful discussions.