Kenya has unveiled an ambitious 10-year Innovation Masterplan aimed at positioning the country as a global leader in innovation. The plan was introduced at a high-profile stakeholders’ breakfast meeting hosted by the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) at the Mövenpick Hotel & Residences, Nairobi.
Hon. Alice Ng’ang’a, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee for Social Protection, spoke on the importance of the initiative. “The Presidential Innovation Award is not just an accolade; it is a commitment to fostering a culture of innovation in every sector of our society,” she said. Ng’ang’a emphasized the significance of partnerships in achieving the masterplan’s goals, noting that “the momentum we’ve built through these partnerships is already bearing fruit.”
The masterplan, launched by President William Ruto in November 2023, outlines key strategies to develop a robust innovation ecosystem. Its objectives include doubling the number of innovation-related jobs created by startups annually, with a target of generating 387,000 jobs by 2027.
Dr. Tony Omwansa, CEO of KeNIA, highlighted the importance of collaboration in realizing the masterplan’s vision. “Partnerships with organizations like the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) are crucial in driving the success of this masterplan,” said Omwansa. He also discussed the agency’s focus on research commercialization and building a strong startup ecosystem over the next decade.
The event also announced the Kenya Innovation Week 2024 – Africa Edition, scheduled for November. The event aims to showcase groundbreaking innovations and celebrate Kenya’s progress in building a vibrant innovation ecosystem. “This will be a platform for Kenya to showcase its innovations to the world, further solidifying our place as a hub for innovation in Africa,” Ng’ang’a added.
The meeting called for action to all stakeholders to continue their collaboration and support for Kenya’s innovation agenda. As the nation moves forward with its ambitious plans, the synergy between government, private sector, and international partners will be vital in realizing Kenya’s vision of becoming a global innovation leader.
