Science Must Reach Every Kenyan, Says PS Shaukat

By The COAST Reporter

State department for science, research and innovation principal secretary Prof Abdulrazak Shaukat wants science to be integrated into everyday life saying this is key to achieving Kenya’s development goals.

Speaking during a high-level visit to the Luigi Broglio Malindi Space Centre (LBMSC), the professor said the socialization of science is central to advancing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation (BETA) Agenda.

“The integration of science into everyday life is critical for achieving our national development goals,” he said stressing that science and innovation must benefit all Kenyans to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.

He highlighted the need for a holistic approach that connects government institutions, research bodies, academia, and local communities.

Such collaboration, he said, creates a win-win framework that promotes innovation while supporting national development.

The tour at LBMSC, a hub for space science in Kenya, offered an opportunity for stakeholders to explore ways of strengthening partnerships among institutions and communities.

The goal is to ensure that scientific knowledge translates into real benefits for society.

The visit comes ahead of the Italy–Africa Meeting, which is set to be hosted at LBMSC.

The event is expected to deepen collaboration between Africa and Italy in space science, technology, and innovation.

Prof Shaukat was joined by Italy’s Minister for Universities and Research Anna Maria Bernini; the President of the Italian Space Agency, Teodoro Valente; the Director General of the Kenya Space Agency (KSA), Brig. Hillary Kipkosgey; the Chief Executive Officer of the National Research Fund (NRF), Prof. Dickson Andala; the Chairperson of Vision 2030, Dr. Emmanuel Kombe; the Speaker of the Kilifi County Assembly, Catherine Kenga; and a representative of the Governor of Kilifi County.

The visit highlighted LBMSC’s strategic role in Kenya’s growing space sector, reinforcing the government’s commitment to leveraging science and innovation for inclusive development and international cooperation.