Education CS Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba (centre front row) with icipe leadership during his visit to the Duduville Campus on Wednesday, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to science and innovation.
By Peace Muthoka.
Kenya has once again reaffirmed its commitment to science, research, and innovation as the foundation for socio-economic transformation.
On August 22, 2025, Education Cabinet Secretary Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba led a high-level delegation to the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) at its Duduville Campus in Nairobi.
The visit was more than ceremonial. It highlighted Kenya’s determination to harness science and innovation to drive development. The delegation witnessed icipe’s groundbreaking scientific progress and the nurturing of the next generation of researchers through the Partnership for Skills in Applied Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PASET)–Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif).
For over 50 years, icipe has stood as a pillar of excellence, tackling Africa’s most pressing challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, poverty, and hunger through insect-based science solutions. As the Regional Coordination Unit of PASET-Rsif, the centre continues to support Africa’s vision of building a knowledge-based economy.
While signing the visitors’ book, CS Ogamba praised icipe’s impact. “We appreciate the high impact research that takes place at icipe and the output it produces. As Kenya we are proud in hosting icipe as international organisation for the last 55 years since it was founded by one of our pioneer Prof Thomas Odhiambo,” he said.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Education Hon Julius Migos Ogamba (gesturing) being taken through exhibition when he visited icipe‘s Duduville Campus on Wednesday.
He added that icipe’s contributions have shaped lives and policies across the continent. He congratulated the centre for its leadership, noting, “It is befitting that the excellent work that icipe is doing has been given recognition and in particular I wish to congratulate icipe for competitively being selected as the RCU for PASET-Rsif. I’m also grateful to icipe for excellently managing the PASET-Rsif Programme and also for your exemplary performance in research as you have aptly indicated.”
The CS also recalled Kenya’s leadership in PASET. “Kenya was among the first PASET countries to contribute the minimum of USD 2 million to the PASET-Rsif in 2017 thereby setting an example of other countries to join PASET. Kenya also hosted the fourth PASET Forum in Nairobi in 2017 under the patronage of the then deputy president who is now the President of the Republic Kenya Dr William Samoei Ruto; and subsequently hosted the 6th PASET Forum in April 2024,” he said.
To expand opportunities for PhD training, he announced further investment. “Due to the high intake of the scholarship by Kenyans, the Government of Kenya committed an additional USD 2 million in 2024 to ensure continued support and improve the quality in higher education,” he stated.
Education Cabinet Secretary Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba signs the visitors’ book at icipe’s Duduville Campus, flanked by Director General Dr. Abdou Tenkouano (right), Director of Human Resources & Protocol Mrs. Veronica Waiyaki (centre back), and RCU Manager Dr. Julius Ecuru (left).
Ogamba stressed that research and education are central to Kenya’s growth. “I acknowledge icipe’s tremendous contribution to our research capacity and scientific output in Kenya and within the region. Going forward is to ensure we link the outputs of research and human capital development to industry, policy and society. Policies should be informed by the 21st credible scientific evidence.”
He also called on the private sector to value research. “Industry and private sector should also appreciate the research outcomes and collaborations within universities and research institutions to ensure better skills and competitive workforce suitable for the 21st century demands. I am happy to note that the areas you support including energy and renewables, and other areas of artificial intelligence, the current /fourth industrial revolution we are in,” he said.
During the meeting, PASET-Rsif scholar Joshua Cyprian William and alumna Dr Ivy Okello shared how strategic investments in higher education are cultivating a new generation of African researchers and innovators.
The CS concluded by reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to support Rsif and icipe’s programmes.
The visit ended on an optimistic note, with both the Cabinet Secretary and icipe’s Director General, Dr. Abdou Tenkouano, underscoring that Africa’s transformation depends on sustained investment in science, research, and human capital. Their message was clear: innovation is not optional—it is the key to the continent
