Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute Special Place Towards Industrialization

By Prof Shaukat Abdulzak

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

I witnessed several technologies and innovation – encouraged the institution to accelerate the commercialisation of innovations, strengthen partnerships with industry, position science & technology as key drivers of the country’s industrial transformation.

I toured research laboratories, inspected the KIRDI Techno Centre (#V2030 flagship innovation and technology commercialization facility currently under construction) and held interactive sessions with scientists & researchers to gain a deeper understanding of the institute’s research, technology development and #commercialization initiatives.

One thing was clear – we need to enhance funding levels with domestic financing to leverage on donor funding. A urgent need to scale up and scale out innovation.

I commend KIRDI scientists for developing practical innovations that respond to national challenges and support Kenya’s manufacturing and industrialization agenda.

I further encouraged scientists and management, to look into mechanisms to moving beyond knowledge generation and focus on transforming scientific discoveries into commercially viable products, businesses and jobs – impact in the society.

The @ScienceState is spearheading the establishment of national innovation #clusters by mapping the unique areas of specialization across Kenya’s public & private and institutions to foster stronger collaboration among universities, research, TVETs, industry & development partners.

The clusters will serve as centres of excellence for industrial development, enabling institutions to pool expertise, share resources and accelerate technology transfer and commercialization.

The Government is committed in supporting Research, Innovation and Development to at least 1% of GDP.

I observed that while Kenya has abundant scientific talent and innovative ideas, the country must strengthen pathways that move innovations from laboratories to the marketplace. I urged researchers to embrace entrepreneurship & work more closely with industry to unlock the full economic value of research.

I further challenged @kirdi_kenya to document and communicate the impact of its technologies by showcasing enterprises and communities whose livelihoods have improved through the institute’s innovations.