ISAAA AfriCenter and NRF Lead Masterplan Validation as PS Abdulrazak Pushs for Research Funding
By Peace Muthoka.
Kenya renewed its push to strengthen its research and innovation ecosystem today as government leaders, researchers and policymakers gathered at the Nairobi Safari Club for the national validation of the Kenya Research Financing and Capacity Strengthening Masterplan (2026–2036).
The meeting, convened by the National Research Fund (NRF) with facilitation from ISAAA AfriCenter, brought together Ministries, Departments and Agencies to review the draft Masterplan and align it with national development priorities.
During the session, Professor Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, called for bold investment and stronger coordination to help Kenya meet its long-standing commitment to allocate 2% of GDP to research and development.
He said he remains optimistic that the country is on the right path, noting that the creation of a dedicated State Department for Science, Research and Innovation signals a fresh national commitment to the sector.
Abdulrazak emphasized that Kenya cannot achieve transformative growth without significantly increasing R&D investment. The country currently allocates about 0.8% of GDP, below both the African Union’s 1% target and the 2% requirement set in the Science, Technology and Innovation Act.
He highlighted the urgent need to strengthen postgraduate training, research infrastructure and institutional capacity. Kenya produces only 300 to 400 PhDs annually, far below the 1,000 needed each year to support national development. He warned that without adequate funding, researchers and intellectuals risk becoming underutilized.
“We have the people, we have the brains. What we need is support and an enabling environment so that research can have real impact,” he said.
The PS urged Parliament to back the reforms needed to unlock research financing, calling for coordinated oversight of national research institutions to reduce fragmentation and ensure accountability.
The draft Masterplanbdeveloped through a multi-agency process led by NRF and supported by ISAAA AfriCenter outlines five pillars for strengthening the national research ecosystem, including sustainable financing, modern infrastructure, stronger human capital, industry linkages and an updated policy and regulatory framework.
Today’s validation meeting aimed to secure government-wide ownership of the Masterplan, harmonize sector priorities, and prepare the document for Cabinet consideration.
Abdulrazak said increased research investment will power innovation across agriculture, health, industry, climate resilience and digital transformation, helping position Kenya as an emerging global knowledge economy.
“This Masterplan is about our future,” he said. “We must support the laws and policies that will unlock Kenya’s full research and innovation potential.”
