By Dr Felix Koskei
Sound research, information and data is critical to national development and this cannot be overemphasized. Research is a disciplined journey that transforms curiosity into knowledge and knowledge into power. It is the power of scientific research that fuels progress, drives innovation, helps people and nations tackle challenges and crisis that they may confront in their developmental agenda.
The Kenya National Research Festival therefore, accords us a unique platform for cultivating relevant and insightful discussions, promoting synergies and strengthening both domestic and international collaborations, which are critical levers of development in today’s interconnected world.
I am, especially delighted to note that included in this gathering are young scientists, researchers and more than 200 students from across the 47 counties because as you are aware, the youth make up the majority of our population with estimates indicating that over 75% of the population is below 35yrs of age.
Besides this youth bulge, this demographic possesses the energy and technological savviness critical for today’s world largely premised on technological, developments and fast-paced changes. I believe research is critical for the full realization of this demographic dividend.
This rich combination of players underscores the criticality of Collaborations and Partnerships or to put it simply broad-based inclusiveness. It aligns very well with the vision of H.E. the President for inclusive
prosperity and involvement of all stakeholders from a Bottom-Up perspective. This is in line with the provisions of our Constitution as regards the participation of all in national discourse and development.
Such collaborations unlock the potential to collectively address the most complex and pressing challenges of our time such as climate change, pandemics, public administration, security, crossborder movements and social inequality by integrating knowledge and methodologies from various domains.
Indeed, Interdisciplinary research initiatives are indispensable in pursuing the Global Sustainable Development Goals (GSDGs) as well as our own national goals and aspirations. Such initiatives act as crucibles of ground-breaking innovation, where the boundaries between disciplines dissolve and the synergy of diverse perspectives leads to solutions that transcend the limitations of any single field.
The true power of interdisciplinary research lies in its capacity to spark creativity, accelerate and generate holistic solutions that are resilient, sustainable and impactful. By breaking down silos and encouraging the cross-pollination of ideas,
interdisciplinary initiatives pave the way for transformative advancements that can define the future.
A compelling example of the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing global challenges is the global effort to combat climate change (SDG13), which requires not only environmental science but also insights from economics, engineering, social sciences and public health. This collective approach has helped develop sustainability and success of the efforts.
In respect to our overall national development, the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) underscores the importance of leveraging research in harnessing local knowledge and technologies to help the Government in addressing community-specific challenges, creating sustainable economic opportunities and promoting inclusive growth and innovation.
For instance, the development of drought-resistant crops tailored to Kenya’s climate has bolstered food security and farmer income, while advancements in geothermal energy have solidified Kenya’s leadership in renewable energy, creating jobs and promoting sustainable development.
Additionally, the integration of traditional medicine with modern healthcare, the support for ICT innovation through local technology hubs and the promotion of efficient water management techniques all demonstrate that research is driving economic inclusion and sustainable progress across various sectors.
Further, research outputs have been pivotal in shaping public policy through the provision of evidence-based insights that guide effective decision-making. Data from various research has informed policy development that is responsive to the real needs of the population.
Realizing and appreciating the importance of research, the government has committed to providing a firm foundation for excellence in research and to promoting a holistic scientific education through the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) right from basic education.
This system, which focuses on a well-rounded education combining practical skills, critical thinking and real-world application, ensuring that students understand the interconnectedness of scientific concepts across disciplines.
The CBC emphasises early identification and development of talents in the pathways of our basic education system; Arts and Sports Sciences, Social Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Additionally, it fosters Science Research, Technology and Innovation (RSTI) competencies as students progress through university education through use of research tools that enable them to acquire foundational knowledge and build research competencies at every grade and level of basic education.
This is why the Government, through the Ministry of Education, is providing schools with modern laboratories, scientific equipment and digital tools necessary for conducting experiments and research. This will then guarantee a strong research foundation within an education system designed to ensure that students grasp core scientific principles from foundational levels.
This vibrant research culture, supported by strong collaborations between academia, industry and government will enhance our educational outcomes and position Kenya as a leader in addressing both local and global challenges especially those relating to youth empowerment, whether they be skill gaps, competence development or adoption of technology.
This interdisciplinary approach has been used effectively in the development of renewable energy technologies a case in point being the deployment of engineering innovations, economic analyses to ensure affordability and social sciences to enhance community adaptation.
To accelerate research and realize its full benefits, we must fully recognise and harness the transformative power of technology and effective communication.
Technology
By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics and blockchain, we can revolutionise Kenya’s journey towards a knowledge-based economy. These technologies offer unprecedented insights, drive innovation and enhance transparency across sectors in many ways.
(i) Big data analytics for example enables more precise decision-making, while IoT has the potential to transform industries such as agriculture and urban planning.
(ii) Blockchain technology ensures trust and security in financial transactions. Together, these advancements are propelling economies into a future where technology is not merely an enabler but a cornerstone of sustainable development, economic growth and global competitiveness. More importantly, helping us develop solutions tailored to our local problems in all sectors.
(iii) In agriculture, precision farming and IoT are enhancing productivity and climate resilience enabling communities to reap higher returns and mitigate food shortages.
(iv) In urban planning, Big data and smart technologies are contributing to the creation of more sustainable and responsive cities. For instance, smart city projects and data-driven infrastructure planning are emerging in Nairobi and other cities, exploring ways to integrate technology for improved urban management and sustainability.
Communication
Effective communication and transmission of research findings in today’s rapidly evolving world is critical. Research therefore is vital in bridging the gap between complex scientific findings and public understanding.
By making complex data accessible, research science communication enhances public awareness and empowers communities to navigate challenges with confidence and resilience. Effective communication of research findings is vital especially in times of crisis and global challenges such as climate change, pandemics and technological disruptions as it enables faster and better-targeted inventions.
The COVID-19 pandemic taught us great lessons as it highlighted the significance of effective communication, demonstrating how clear transparent communication can influence public health responses and behaviours. It enabled informed decisions about health measures, vaccines, and treatments and played a critical role in combating misinformation and building trust in science.
Therefore, as you advance your discourse on research during this festival, I encourage you to explore practical strategies for communicating complex research information in ordinary and understandable ways.
I have enumerated just a few of the benefits of research to our national development and the government’s initiative to further research in all sectors of the economy.
I believe there are many more and I hope that in the course of this festival, the organizers will avail adequate opportunity to the experts present, to share their experiences, knowledge and competencies to explore more viable pathways for the country to benefit from research.
As I conclude, let me reiterate the importance of establishing strong linkages, between researchers and industry which is the main consumer of research information. Such information is crucial in our quest for homegrown solutions and products. Indeed, our Vision of “BUY KENYA, BUILD KENYA” depends on THIS”.
The writer is the Chief Of Staff & Head Of The Public Service, the Republic of Kenya