The government is stepping up efforts to strengthen innovation and bring all hubs under a unified framework to accelerate the commercialization of ideas, stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities for young people.

Speaking during the official opening of Pwani Innovation Week in Mombasa, Science, Research and Innovation PS Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, said a coordinated innovation ecosystem is essential to nurturing young innovators and turning their ideas into viable businesses.

“We have to take innovation to another level by fully supporting innovators, and we need a strong, coherent ecosystem that brings all innovation and incubation hubs under one umbrella,” said Prof. Abdulrazak.

The PS emphasised the need to harness the creativity and curiosity of Kenya’s growing youth population by providing opportunities for mentorship, innovation and commercialization.

He cited the Nyota Fund, a government initiative that supports young people, saying it has reached more than 800,000 youths across the country.

“You know very well that the President Dr. William Ruto has initiated the Nyota Fund, which is touching more than 800,000 youths,”  he said.

Prof. Abdulrazak said the State Department had an accelerator programme designed to support innovations from the development stage through to commercialization, with the aim of creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

“Science, research and technology are critical to accelerating Kenya’s economic development and innovators require an enabling environment, mentorship and the necessary support to turn their ideas into practical solutions,” he said.

The PS urged stakeholders to mentor young innovators and help them develop their ideas into viable ventures capable of generating employment opportunities.

He called for stronger partnerships among government agencies, the private sector and other stakeholders to build a sustainable innovation ecosystem and unlock opportunities in emerging economic sectors.

The PS expressed optimism that coordinated support for innovation would help transform Kenya’s economy and create more opportunities for young people.

“This is going to be a game changer, we must believe in ourselves and believe in what is possible to take Kenya to another level,” he said.

He added that the State Department was in discussions with county governments on establishing offices to focus on research, science and innovation.

Prof. Abdulrazak said each county had unique economic strengths that could be harnessed through targeted innovation initiatives.

“Every county government has its own uniqueness, here at the Coast, we are looking at the Blue Economy, we want to expand the maritime sector and build innovation across the entire ecosystem,” he said.

By Mary Mtawa