The Kenyan government has drastically reduced funding for research projects in universities and the National Research Fund, with allocations plummeting from Sh2 billion to Sh500 million this year. This decrease continues a trend of diminishing financial support for research, as highlighted by data from the State Department of Higher Education and Research.

The impact of this funding cut is profound, affecting academic institutions where research activities are crucial for advancing scientific knowledge and addressing national challenges. To counter the funding shortfall, universities and research institutions are being encouraged to seek alternative sources such as grants from the private sector and international partnerships to sustain their research initiatives.

During the National Stakeholders Engagement on Research Science, Technology, and Innovation conference at Lake Naivasha Resort, Beatrice Inyangala emphasized the government's commitment to increasing investment in research. "Currently, the government allocates 0.8 per cent of its annual budget towards research initiatives, a figure we aim to increase from the committed two per cent," she stated.

Inyangala also advocated for greater collaboration among universities, highlighting the need to accelerate the commercialization of research findings to drive economic development. She unveiled plans for the National Research, Science, Technology, and Innovation framework aimed at streamlining research activities and minimizing duplication.

Dickson Andala, CEO of the National Research Fund, detailed initiatives where the Fund has supported 19 institutions and universities with infrastructure grants tailored for research ecosystems. He noted that collaborations with the private sector have contributed over Sh1 billion towards research endeavours over the past two years.

Florah Kariuki from the Ministry of Education stressed the importance of capacity building to enhance Kenya's research contributions globally, noting Africa's modest 1.1 per cent share in global research output. She urged institutions to strengthen their research proposals to attract more external grants.

Charles Ochola, Vice Chancellor of Tom Mboya University, highlighted the university's strategic partnerships, including a 14-year collaboration with Irvine University of California to conduct malaria research in the Lake Victoria region. Ochola also underscored efforts to revive the cotton and textile industry in Nyanza through innovative research initiatives in collaboration with local county governments.

 

Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku

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https://www.the-star.co.ke/counties/nairobi/2024-07-17-research-funding-drops-from-sh2bn-to-sh500m/