NAIROBI, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Ministry of Education said on Monday that it is committed to harnessing science, technology and innovation to empower the youth and spur development in the country.
Beatrice Inyangala, principal secretary in the Ministry of Education, said the government has prioritized research and innovations to address myriad societal challenges.
"We have started engagements with local and international partners to advance research excellence across institutions of learning in the country," Inyangala said during a research festival stakeholder engagement forum in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
She said Kenya is borrowing practices on harnessing science and innovation to spur growth from countries like China, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore.
She noted that the National Research Fund (NRF) of Kenya is cooperating with Young Scientists Kenya, an initiative that gives young people from across Kenya an opportunity to demonstrate innovation, to showcase the ground-breaking discoveries and innovations in the country.
This partnership, according to Inyangala, is expected to provide a unique platform for Kenyan youth to demonstrate their capacity for innovation and research, showcase their scientific talents and play a crucial role in promoting knowledge-sharing among the research community.
Dickson Andala, chief executive officer of the NRF, said Kenya's rapid strides towards industrialization and modernization are fuelled by the dedication to harnessing the potential of scientific research and innovation.
Andala said engagement with the youth is also aimed at inspiring the broader community, showcasing the importance of research in addressing societal challenges and driving economic growth.
He added that the partnership is helping to leverage opportunities to amplify the impact of research on society, the economy, and the environment.
Andala stressed that partnership with the youth is an ideal means of inspiring the next generation of innovators, solving pressing challenges, and unlocking new opportunities for growth and development. ■
