NAIROBI, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Kenya will invest in scientific research, technology and innovation to achieve the government's development blueprint that focuses on food security, manufacturing, affordable housing and universal health coverage, officials said on Tuesday.
Collette Suda, principal secretary in the state department of university education and research, said the government will tap into cutting-edge technologies and innovations to realize inclusive growth and prosperity.
"The government will invest heavily in science, technology, research and innovation to achieve the big four pillars," said Suda.
She spoke during the launch of national research priorities for the year 2018 to 2022 that lay emphasis on harnessing scientific knowledge and innovation to hasten economic growth, create jobs and boost climate resilience.
Suda said the government has invested in a robust research and innovation ecosystem to address endemic challenges facing communities like hunger, poverty, disease and environmental degradation.
"We have a stable regulatory environment to promote scientific research and innovations in diverse areas like agriculture, value addition, manufacturing and development of new drugs," said Suda.
She said the government has prioritized investments in life-long learning to accelerate transition to a knowledge-based economy that promises improved quality of life to the citizens.
Kenya is on course to meet the African Union recommended target of allocating at least 2 percent of the country's annual budget to science, technology and innovations.
Moses Rugutt, director general of National Commission for Science Technology and Innovation, said the government has leveraged on partnership with industry to boost funding on research themes that promote sustainable development.
"We have increased research funding in areas that align with our vision 2030, the African Union Agenda 2063 and UN 2030 goals," said Rugutt.
"It is our hope that science, technology and innovation could become a vehicle for transforming this country," said Rugut.
He said the government has encouraged collaborative research that would offer solution to environmental and health challenges facing communities.
