Education Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has called on universities and other institutions of higher learning to eradicate bureaucratic culture, blaming it of undermining the country’s effort in the realization of research and innovation.
He challenged the institutions to channel their resources on research and innovation to improve the country’s economic development.
“It is unfortunate that we had to lose Sh3 billion allocated to National Research Fund (NRF) since the money was not spent due to bureaucratic procedures which are currently in place,” he said.
The CS who spoke during the launch of the Newton Utafiti Fund in a Nairobi hotel yesterday reiterated the government’s commitment to establish a robust research system for national development.
The bilateral research and innovation initiative by the UK and Kenya received a boost following approval of 11 projects under the Newton-Utafiti Fund.
The approved projects drawn from different universities in the country aim to tackle global challenges, including anti-microbial resistance, climate change and food security.
“It is unthinkable how we can move forward as a country in some of the critical policy development areas without conducting and supporting research,” said Matiang’i.
Matiang’i indicated that the government has put in place effective strategies to enhance the management of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).
