In a bid to foster a culture of innovation and propel Kenya towards becoming a regional hub of groundbreaking initiatives, the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) has revealed a series of actionable resolutions stemming from the Kenya Innovation Week 2023.
The week-long event, which convened visionaries, thought leaders, and innovators, not only witnessed the convergence of over 15 impactful summits but also marked the inauguration of Kenya’s 10-Year Innovation Masterplan by His Excellency Dr William Ruto, the President of the Republic of Kenya.
“Building upon the momentum generated during the event, KeNIA is poised to translate these innovative aspirations into tangible outcomes, armed with a comprehensive one-year roadmap derived from the masterplan,” the agency noted.
Among the notable resolutions unveiled by KeNIA is the expansion of the Presidential Innovation Award (PIA).
Building on the success of its pilot phase in 2023, KeNIA plans to scale the PIA to encompass categories such as the Youth Edition, Researchers, Universities, TVETs, and the Entrepreneurial University of the Year (EUY), aiming to celebrate excellence across diverse sectors and inspire a new wave of innovation.
Additionally, the introduction of the Presidential Innovation Fellowship seeks to address digital transformation challenges within government and counties.
Young graduates will form multi-disciplinary groups, gaining hands-on experience and infusing innovation into the public sector.
The announcement of the Kenya Startup Bill marks a pivotal step towards creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurial ventures to thrive.
This strategic policy instrument targets challenges within the startup ecosystem, offering incentives and fostering growth.
Recognizing the critical role of research and innovation, the Government of Kenya (GoK) is set to increase funding from 0.8% to 2% of the GDP, catalyzing ground-breaking initiatives and solidifying Kenya’s position as a hub of innovation.
Furthermore, KeNIA plans to introduce a Leading Innovation Course for Policymakers, equipping them with modern tools and strategies to enhance efficiency and excellence in public service delivery.
Other initiatives outlined by the agency include the establishment of infrastructure enhancements, aspirations to position Kenya within the top 50 on the Global Innovation Index, and the finalization and implementation of Kenya’s Intellectual Property (IP) policy.
As Kenya embarks on its innovation journey in 2024, KeNIA’s unwavering commitment to realizing the 10-Year Innovation Masterplan sets the stage for a transformative year.
Through a collaborative approach and engagement with stakeholders, KeNIA invites all to be part of shaping a future where innovation drives progress and prosperity.
