Government to Commit 1% of GDP For Research

 


Science and Innovation PS Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak Urges Coast Youth to Embrace Research and Innovation, Highlighting President William Ruto's Commitment to allocate 1% GDP for Research

Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak has called on young people in the Coast region to prioritize studies in research and innovation. This, he emphasized, will enable them to capitalize on the vast opportunities presented by Kenya's blue economy.

Speaking in Mombasa, Prof. Shaukat highlighted that President Ruto's has shown strong commitment to boosting the research sector and also strengthen science, innovation, and related initiatives. This dedicated investment underscores the government's resolve to position research as a key driver of national development and economic transformation.


The PS pointed out that Kenya's blue economy is currently valued at approximately Ksh 84 billion, with significant untapped potential to grow to Ksh 150 billion or more through strategic efforts. Despite this promising outlook, the sector remains largely underexploited, presenting a major opportunity for innovation-driven growth, particularly in coastal areas.

"We don't want the Coast region to lag behind," Prof. Shaukat stated. "We must ensure our children embrace education, especially in science and innovation, to fully benefit from these resources and contribute meaningfully to harnessing the blue economy's potential."


On university reforms, Prof. Shaukat clarified that the proposed specialization will not undermine local universities. Instead, institutions will continue offering diverse faculties while focusing on major clusters to achieve greater effectiveness and deliver impactful solutions tailored to their localities.

"For example, a university in Taita Taveta could major in agricultural studies while still providing other courses," he explained. This approach aims to align higher education more closely with regional strengths and national priorities, including those supported by enhanced research funding.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mombasa Digital Taxi Drivers Issue Three-Day Ultimatum to Bolt Over Reduced Fares

Image
Digital taxi drivers in Mombasa have issued a three-day ultimatum to ride-hailing company Bolt to reverse recently reduced fares, warning that they will shut down the platform if their demands are not addressed. The drivers also protested the introduction of a new basic category, which they say will see customers pay as little as Ksh220 per trip. Led by Coast Digital Drivers Federation Chairman Thomas Were, the drivers said the new pricing structure is unsustainable, especially amid rising living costs, fuel expenses, vehicle maintenance costs and inflation. “Drivers are really suffering with those Bolt prices. We came here to present our memorandum and, if they ignore us, we will take action as riders to shut down their app,” Were said. Among their demands is the abolition of the basic category in the Coast region and the review and implementation of a proposed minimum pricing structure. They are also calling for fair and guaranteed compensation for waiting tim...
Read more

Parliament Liaison Committee Meets in Mombasa to Clear Legislative Backlog

Image
The Parliamentary Liaison Committee is meeting in Mombasa to fast-track key House business as Parliament enters its final year before adjourning for the 2027 General Election. Led by Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss, the lawmakers are seeking to accelerate key legislation, budget matters and committee work ahead of the elections. Boss said the committee is reviewing unfinished business and exploring ways of ensuring that critical matters are completed before Parliament adjourns in June 2027. She added that Parliament is also considering whether additional Accounts Committees may be necessary to speed up the scrutiny of government expenditure and clear the existing backlog. “We have been able to align our activities, which is why we meet yearly as a Liaison Committee. Before, we had legal challenges as a committee, for example, on the Public Accounts Committee, but we were able to abide by the law,” she said. The Deputy Speaker also reiterated that the Independent Elec...
Read more

Government Urged to End Abductions Across the Country

Image
Center for Litigation Trust (CFLT) has condemned the recent abduction of Standard group Editor Alex Kiprotich. The  independent Pan-African public interest law center emphasized the need for Journalists to be protected to be able to perform their duties.  The Trust's Executive Director Mr. Julius Ogogoh further demanded the government to issue a public statement rejecting forced dissapearance and abductions. "We are also troubled by the chilling video footage showing armed individuals mercilessly abducting Mr Kiprotich, a Senior Journalist who was later found dumped near Masinga Dam in Machakos", said Mr Ogogoh.  Mr Ogogoh further appealed to President William Ruto to reaffirm to Kenyans, his administration's commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law.  "The President needs to assure the country of an independent, impartial and thorough investigations into the abduction of Mr. Kiprotich. We demand that those found responsible shou...
Read more