Nairobi: Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to advancing science, technology, and innovation as key pillars of sustainable development, economic transformation, and Africa’s long-term competitiveness. Speaking during a meeting with the Governing Council of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), led by its President, Prof. Friday Okonofua of Nigeria, Mudavadi called for stronger collaboration among African countries to develop home-grown solutions to the continent’s pressing challenges.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mudavadi emphasized the need for African nations to work together to address climate change, food insecurity, emerging diseases, unemployment, rapid urbanization, digital transformation, energy transition, and sustainable industrialization through science and innovation. He underscored the importance of partnerships between governments, research institutions, and the scientific community, noting that such collaborations are crucial in translating research into practical solutions that improve livelihoods, strengthen public policy, and drive innovation-led economic growth.
The AAS delegation also briefed the Prime Cabinet Secretary on preparations for the 16th Scientific Conference of the African Academy of Sciences, which will be held in Tanzania from December 12 to 15, 2026. The conference will be organized under the theme, ‘Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development and Economic Prosperity in Africa.’
Mudavadi highlighted the vital role of institutions such as the African Academy of Sciences in promoting scientific excellence, strengthening research capacity, and providing evidence-based policy advice. He added that increased investment in science and innovation would enhance healthcare, improve food security, strengthen climate resilience, create high-value jobs, and position Kenya as a regional hub for research, technology, and knowledge-driven development.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary for the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, and members of the AAS Governing Council, including Executive Director Dr. Stephen Mutwiwa (Kenya), Secretary General Prof. Francine Ntoumi (Republic of the Congo), among others.
