Kenyan researchers called to innovate and create sustainable solutions

Kenyan researchers are being encouraged to embrace innovation and creativity in crafting sustainable solutions tailored to the country’s specific needs.

Experts emphasize that research efforts should tackle pressing issues such as climate change, food insecurity, and health challenges, which continue to affect many communities across the nation.

While addressing the first-ever National Biennial Postgraduate Students Conference at Maasai Mara University, Prof. Ratemo Michieka, who chairs the board of trustees at the National Research Fund, highlighted that researchers have a vital role to play in addressing Kenya’s most urgent problems.

Prof. Ratemo Michieka has challenged Kenyan researchers to take ownership of local problems and actively contribute to solving them, stressing that no external help will come to address issues such as biodiversity loss.

Speaking at the inaugural National Biennial Postgraduate Students Conference held at Maasai Mara University, Prof. Michieka pointed out that the world is grappling with a web of challenges ranging from technological disruptions and political instability to climate change that demand homegrown solutions.

The conference provided the National Research Fund with an opportunity to evaluate the quality and progress of projects it has supported.

The findings are expected to shape future funding decisions and measure the impact of postgraduate research.

“We are fully committed to generating the knowledge and innovation needed to support Kenya’s socio-economic growth.

Whether it’s in science, technology, social sciences, or biological fields, researchers have the intellectual tools to spark ideas and drive change,” Prof. Michieka emphasized.

The gathering also served as a knowledge-sharing platform, where postgraduate students showcased their latest research, breakthroughs, and best practices across various disciplines.

Maasai Mara University Vice Chancellor Prof. Peninnah Aloo Obudho noted that postgraduate research is central to building a knowledge-driven economy an essential direction for Kenya’s development.

She added that the conference was designed around key themes aligned with national and global priorities, such as environmental sustainability and climate action. She also highlighted Maasai Mara University’s focus areas, including tourism, environmental management, and conservation.

Despite Africa's immense potential, the continent contributes just 3 percent to the global research output.

To address this gap, Dr. Carol Hunja, Secretary of the State Department for Higher Education and Research, called for stronger collaboration within the continent, with a goal of doubling Africa’s contribution to 6 percent by 2030.

Dr. Hunja also urged researchers to fully embrace digital technologies to enhance the quality and efficiency of their work.

"If we fail to adopt these tools, we’ll continue falling behind. Western countries are already making significant strides by integrating technology into their research processes," she said.

Dr. Carol Hunja acknowledged Kenya’s significant progress in expanding access to higher education over the last twenty years.

"We have seen a remarkable growth in the number of universities, colleges, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, opening doors for many young Kenyans to pursue their aspirations. With the ongoing rollout of competency-based education and training, we are actively reviewing curricula to ensure they remain relevant and equip young people with the practical skills they need," Hunja stated.

The conference gathered postgraduate researchers from both local and international universities to discuss key challenges facing Kenya’s research community and to develop strategies for overcoming them.

Additionally, the event focused on policies that influence industry and community advocacy, aiming to promote positive and impactful changes.