KIPPRA hosted 4th KIPPRA Annual Regional Conference from 23rd to 25th June 2021. The hybrid conference themed “Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I) in Enhancing Delivery of Big Four Development Agenda” took place at the Bomas of Kenya with most participants joining virtually in adherence to COVID-19 protocols. KIPPRA hosted the conference in collaboration with other key stakeholders, including National Commission for Science Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) alongside delegates comprising officials from national and county governments, representative of national authorities from regional economic blocs, regional think tanks, as well as development partners, civil society, persons with disability and other interest groups.
The conference brought together stakeholders to exchange views on policy options and measures pertaining the role of ST&I in guiding the country’s transition to a knowledge driven economy that supports the realization of the Big 4 Agenda. There was also a youth side event at the conference, which brought together students and other stakeholders to discuss how to harness the contribution of youth in science, technology and innovation.
The conference was graced by Chief Administrative Secretary, The National Treasury and Planning, Hon Eric Wafukho, CAS Ministry of Education Dr Sara Ruto, Secretary, Housing Mr Patrick Bucha , Economic Planning Secretary at the State Department of Planning Ms Katherine Muoki, KIPPRA Board Chairperson Dr Linda Musumba, KIPPRA Board Directors and KIPPRA Executive Director Dr Rose Ngugi. Hon. Eric Wafukho, in his keynote address, noted that the recommendations of the conference will inform government policy and future plans. Dr Ruto stated that the Ministry of Education has developed policy to help align human capital development to Vision 2030 and the constitution. Dr Musumba and Dr Ngugi reiterated KIPPRA’s commitment to undertake quality public policy research and analysis and thanked partners and delegates for making the 4th KIPPRA Annual Regional Conference a success.
The conference covered eight thematic areas on ST&I, namely: Status of ST&I in Kenya; policy, institutional and legislative framework; development of human capital; building a strong innovation systems; infrastructure (access to ICT, roads, energy and water as enablers of ST&I) cross cutting issues (availability and use of ST&I statistics, gender perspective in technology and innovation, technologies to able the PWDs) building resilience with ST&I; and industrialization and ST&I. The conference was officially closed by Hon Wafukhoon 25th June 2021.
The National Treasury and Planning CAS Hon. Eric Wafukho addresses delegates at the 4th KIPPRA Annual Regional Conference
Ministry of Education CAS Dr Sara Ruto gives her keynote address at the conference.
Ms Katherine Muoki, Economic Planning Secretary at State Department of Planning, addresses delegates at the conference.
KIPPRA Board Chairperson Dr Linda Musumba chairs a plenary session on agriculture.
KIPPRA Executive Director Dr Rose Ngugi addresses delegates.
