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KIPPRA

An International Centre of Excellence in Public Policy and Research

Kenyan Think Tanks Hold a Symposium to Deliberate on their Role in Supporting Recovery from COVID-19

KIPPRA, in partnership with Kenya Think Tanks, held the 2nd Kenya Think Tanks Symposium on 15th April 2021. The successful virtual symposium brought together representatives of more than 50 Kenyan think tanks, government officials and representatives from research and learning institutions.

The event was graced by the National Treasury and Planning Chief Administrative Secretary Hon. Eric Wafukho who represented the Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury and Planning, Hon. Ukur Yatani. KIPPRA board of directors also actively participated in various sessions of the symposium, led by the Chairperson Dr Linda Musumba.

The symposium whose theme is Building Back Better: The Role of Think Tanks in Supporting Recovery from COVID-19, gave an opportunity for think tanks to reflect on their role in supporting recovery from COVID-19 pandemic. Among the topics of discussions at the symposium were: conducting adaptive policy research in times of crises; capacity development and knowledge management in the COVID-19 era; communication, lobbying and advocacy during COVID-19 era; and reforming public policy and legislation during COVID-19 era.

To effectively play a key role in supporting recovery from COVID-19 pandemic, think tanks were urged not to work in silos and instead embrace partnerships and cross-sectoral collaboration.

In his keynote address, Hon. Wafukho appreciated think tanks for their tireless work in generating evidence necessary for policy making and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to evidence-based policy making as a sure way to drive the development agenda.

On her part, the KIPPRA Executive Director Dr Rose Ngugi explained the importance of the symposium as a platform that helps think tanks to synergize in supporting policymakers with ideas and evidence gathered.

The event also saw the launch of a book titled: The Future of Think Tanks and Policy Advice Around the World. Dr Rose Ngugi contributed a chapter to the book.

CAS Hon. Eric Wafukho gives his remarks during the 2nd Kenya Think Tanks Symposium
Participants follow the proceedings of 2nd Kenya Think Tanks Symposium

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