Nairobi: The government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting science, technology, and innovation as key drivers of national development to address socio-economic challenges.
According to Kenya News Agency, Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Migos Ogamba, through a speech delivered by Chairman, Board of Governors, Center for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education for Africa (CEMASTEA) Dr. Pius Mutisya, highlighted the significance of physics as the foundation of modern development during the ongoing 9th African School of Fundamental Physics and Applications (ASP2026).
Ogamba emphasized that as Kenya aims to become a knowledge-based economy, investing in science, technology, and innovation is a national priority. He noted that quality physics training is crucial for developing the skilled workforce needed for national growth.
He stressed the need for the education system to evolve by promoting experimentation, creativity, coding, robotics, innovation, and problem-solving skills, enabling learners to apply scientific knowledge to real-world challenges.
Ogamba commended the University of Nairobi, CEMASTEA, and local and international partners for organizing the programme, which serves as a platform for advancing science, innovation, and education. He observed that Africa’s challenges, such as energy access, water security, and healthcare delivery, require evidence-based scientific solutions.
The CS called for increased investment in both fundamental and applied physics research and the expansion of modern laboratories, high-performance computing facilities, postgraduate scholarships, and support for early-career scientists. He emphasized collaboration among governments, universities, research institutions, and industry to accelerate scientific discovery and innovation.
Ogamba urged institutions to strengthen joint research programmes, researcher exchanges, shared laboratory facilities, postgraduate supervision, and equitable international partnerships that build local scientific capacity while contributing to global knowledge. He also highlighted the importance of making science education more inclusive by expanding opportunities for women, persons with disabilities, and disadvantaged communities.
To support the transition from education to employment, he encouraged universities to incorporate entrepreneurship, innovation, intellectual property management, and business development into their academic programmes. He noted that internships, industrial attachments, and mentorship programmes would help young people transform scientific ideas into viable enterprises and employment opportunities.
The CS stressed that research success should be measured by its contribution to society through patents, technologies, industries, and jobs, particularly in renewable energy, medical technologies, green manufacturing, and emerging digital industries. He encouraged participants at ASP2026 to leverage the event for learning, collaboration, and networking.
The government, he reaffirmed, remains committed to supporting science, technology, and innovation and expressed confidence that discussions and partnerships from ASP2026 would significantly contribute to Kenya’s scientific and technological development.
