The Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, emphasized the milestone that Kenya had achieved considering the country has never had a National STI policy since independence and hence pointed out why we should reflect upon the crucial role played by science, technology, and innovation in the socio-economic development of our country.

During the speech, which was read on her behalf by Secretary Administration Mr. Fredrick Ndambuki, Dr. Inyangala said that the main Government document makes clear competencies and learning opportunities in technology. This is especially for industry and business enterprises to make sure there’s a policy environment ready for STI to flourish.

“The idea of a framework for STIs can be linked to the National Development Plan (1970–1974), which recognized how important these STIS are for our country’s social and economic growth,” said Dr. Inyangala.

The PS noted that there were other additional plans that came before the Science and Technology Act (CAP 250) of 1977, which were replaced when they introduced the Science, Technology, and Innovation Act in the year 2013. This new law emphasizes STI policy as per the Constitution and is based on Article 11: Right to Information & Research – it considers these rights fundamental.

The Kenya Vision 2030 blueprint views STI as a vital enabler that is expected to steer the national development agenda by making clear that all economic sectors are equipped with fresh technologies and sufficient knowledge for enhancing productivity and efficiency.

The STI Policy is focused on meeting the country’s long-term development objective of Vision 2030, which is consistent with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). It understands that genuine economic progress begins by promoting local communities, encouraging new ideas, and utilizing the changing capacity of STI.

She also added that the objectives of the STI Policy guide was to identify science and technology sector priorities, rationalize and restructure STI institutions, develop mechanisms for sustainable financial resource mobilization, as well as enhance the quality and capacity of human resources.

Dr. Inyangala mentioned that the STI policy was focusing on re-aligning the country’s education and training programs with national goals and industry needs. It also emphasizes strengthening STI infrastructure, promoting development/growth of technology-based enterprises as well as creating a culture of STI in the country. These objectives will be achieved by fostering an environment that supports talents and creativity along with having effective networks or linkages for knowledge generation and sharing at the national level as well as regionally/internationally.”

Even with other policies and legal structures that are specific to certain sectors like the KALRO Act 2019, Biosafety Act 2009, and University Act 2012, among many others, as the PS mentioned, STI Policy is going to be the main policy and a nationwide guideline for research, science-technology-innovation ecosystem in Kenya.

“This policy is about many things, like industry and globalization, innovation and starting new businesses, scientific research and development work plus learning from fresh technologies.”

The STI Policy’s focus is on helping the economy to change from one based on factors into a knowledge-centered economy. The final goal of this policy is to make STI mainstream in every sector by generating, acquiring, spreading, and using up available capacities.

Following the External Stakeholders’ Validation Workshop, the government will distribute the document to the Parliamentary Committee on Education to collect their input and comments. Once this step is completed, it will then be send for approval from the Cabinet.

The government’s response to the floods, which have been causing significant damage across the country, has been prompt in providing assistance to those affected. On Friday, during National Tree Planting Day, while in Mavoko, Machakos County, Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok unveiled a crucial project to establish an emergency desk at Nyayo house.

Bitok announced the establishment of an emergency desk at Nyayo House, which will serve as a lifeline for city residents looking to report loss of their important documents. Residents can visit the desk to obtain new personal documents if they have lost their ID cards, passports, or birth certificates due to the floods. This initiative aims to expedite the replacement process, ensuring that affected individuals can quickly obtain fresh documents.

“Bitok explained the procedure for reporting at Nyayo House, emphasizing the need to arrive in an emergency situation. The initiative is aimed to assist people who have lost their documents in the ongoing intense floods to obtain replacement documents promptly,” Bitok said.

Furthermore, Bitok emphasized that equivalent emergency desks will be set up throughout the country. This demonstrates the government’s dedication to assisting all affected citizens quickly and effectively. He provided reassurance by stating that they were prepared to travel around the country so that each individual receives a new document in a very short time.”

The devastating impact of the floods is evident across the country, with the national death toll reaching 257 by May 8. Moreover, there are now 188 people who have been injured, and a staggering 293,661 individuals affected overall, resulting in the displacement of around 54,837 households across the nation.

Bitok, highlighting these issues, urged Kenyans to take National Tree Growing Day seriously. He emphasized its crucial role in addressing flooding and mitigating the effects of climate change. “We will plant 3,000 trees in this area while joining the rest of Kenyans to ensure there are enough trees to help us combat flooding and mitigate the effects of climate change,” he stated.

The Kenyan government has declared creation of special team inside the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) that will focus on monitoring dangers posed towards bloggers. Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretary of Interior, made this announcement highlighting the dedication by government to protect bloggers expressing different opinions on social media platforms.

According to CS Kindiki, detectives from the DCI are currently investigating numerous cases across 19 counties, particularly focusing on gangs involved in online attacks and violence against individuals expressing themselves online. During his address to the Kenyan Senate, Kindiki highlighted the tragic murder of Meru-based blogger, Daniel Muthiani Bernard, also known as Sniper.

Sniper’s abduction on December 2, 2023, culminated in the discovery of his lifeless body two weeks later on December 16th in Tharaka Nithi county. Postmortem results revealed signs of torture, prompting allegations linking Muthiani’s death to his criticism of Meru’s governor, Kawira Mwangaza. Nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda raised concerns about the evidence pointing to a motive to silence criticism of Governor Kawira.

CS Kindiki acknowledged the complexity of the case but assured senators of a meticulous investigation process aimed at holding all perpetrators accountable. Notably, Mr. Murangiri Kenneth Guantai, a brother of Governor Mwangaza, is among the five suspects arrested and arraigned in court, alongside Vincent Muriithi, Christus Manyara Kiambi alias Chris, Brian Mwenda alias Brayo, and Bonface Kithinji Njiiyia alias Dj Kaboom.

The National Assembly committee on National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) has lauded the Kirinyaga Central ICT Hub for its valuable services to the youth amidst various challenges. The commendation comes as the hub provides essential Ajira training programs and free internet access to numerous youths from Kirinyaga Central, Ndia, and Gichugu constituencies.

During a parliamentary visit aimed at assessing the hub’s needs and exploring avenues for support through the NG-CDF fund, the committee, led by Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi, acknowledged the importance of addressing challenges such as poor internet connectivity and outdated equipment.

MP Elachi emphasized the commitment of the NG-CDF fund to assist hubs in covering recurrent expenditures, ensuring sustainable operations. She called upon the Ministry to provide necessary equipment while assuring that the NG-CDF would fulfill its role effectively.

Joshua Mwalyo, MP for Masinga, highlighted the pivotal role of ICT hubs in providing job opportunities, especially in an era where employment opportunities are limited.

Maria Lekuloto, a board member of NG-CDF, commended the collaborative efforts of stakeholders in addressing challenges faced by innovation hubs across the country. She expressed optimism that the revised NG-CDF Act would enable hubs to cover operational expenses effectively.

Albert Miano, the Center Manager of Kirinyaga Central ICT Hub, outlined challenges such as internet downtime, power blackouts, and limited equipment. However, he expressed optimism about overcoming these challenges with the support of stakeholders.

Winfred Chege, a beneficiary of the hub and current trainer, emphasized the significance of freelancing as a lucrative source of income, highlighting its flexibility and potential to attract global clients.

The parliamentary visit underscored the importance of ICT hubs in empowering youth and bridging the digital divide. Through collaborative efforts and support from initiatives like the NG-CDF fund, hubs like Kirinyaga Central ICT Hub can continue to play a vital role in fostering digital literacy and economic empowerment among the youth.