Written By Gerald Gekara 📝
Kenya played host to the Africa Division of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) 2022 Conference which offered a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences on matters of innovation and technology development.
Speaking during the opening ceremony on Monday 30th, May, this year Maureen Mbaka, CAS Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs said the conference underscored the narratives the government has had about innovation and ICT for the advancement of Kenya and Africa’s economies.
“The role of science parks in promoting innovation cannot be overemphasized as science parks create networks between key actors and facilitate the process of innovation,” said CAS Mbaka.
The CAS stated that the ICT sector is vital to Kenya’s economic growth and prosperity having produced thousands of skilled ICT experts in its quest to develop ICT-capable human capital. She reiterated the importance of innovation in the gains made by the country and said “It is a crucial aspect of the economy’s growth and as a government we are committed to ensuring that our country improves in its innovativeness.”
CAS Mbaka highlighted the ICT Ministry’s programs that promote the culture of innovation key among them being the Huduma Whitebox were Kenyans can forward their innovations and ideas for promotion and support upon evaluation of viability.
“Huduma Whitebox is a one-stop shop for anyone who wants to present, share or sell their idea, innovation, invention or solution. The program evaluates the innovations and provides linkage to markets, legal guidance, investors and mentors and the appropriate industry players among others.”
The CAS also spoke on the Girls in ICT Initiative that she champions which targets girls and young women aged between 17 and 24 years to encourage them to actively pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and ICT.
“We all know that the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields are key drivers of economic growth and are also crucial for the achievement of national and global goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals and President Uhuru Kenyatta’s developmental priorities – the Big 4 Agenda. We do not want the girlchild to be left behind,” said CAS Mbaka.
CAS Mbaka spoke on the gains Kenya has made to become the hub of research and development in Africa and attributed those gains to innovation. “We can no longer afford to think of innovation as an isolated activity that happens only in research labs or tech companies. Innovation is happening everywhere and at all levels, and it requires support from every sector,” said the CAS.
The IASP Africa Division Annual Conference was held at the at the Konza Technopolis in Machakos County with the Konza Chief Executive Officer, Eng. John Tanui as its head.