The Government of Kenya recognises the vital role of science and research in sound policy development and addressing both current and emerging societal challenges.
Principal Secretary for the State Department of Science, Research, and Innovation, Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, made the remarks on Thursday during a capacity-building workshop for Young Scientists in Africa held in Nairobi.
Prof. Shaukat affirmed that such initiatives strengthen the global science community through inclusive, equitable, and transformative capacity-building efforts.
Kenya hosted 28 researchers from 16 African countries during this transformative research capacity-building workshop aimed at fostering cooperation, supporting women in science, and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and Africa Agenda 2063.
With Africa's population expected to double, the Seed Grant for New African Principal Investigators initiative is critical in building local scientific capacity to tackle complex challenges such as climate change, public health, food security, and sustainable development.
Prof. Shaukat noted that the impactful programme supports early-career researchers through research grants, mobility, and practical training, with a strong focus on innovation, industry collaboration, and soft skills development.
He challenged participants to pursue impactful, policy-relevant research and promote brain circulation to minimize brain drain, advocating for future capacity building in science diplomacy across Africa.
The PS commended UNESCO-TWAS, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), and all partners for investing in Africa's scientific future, urging continued championing of science as a key driver of sustainable development.
Since the TWAS programme's inception in 2021, it has supported nearly 100 early-career scientists. The German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space provided support to assemble 28 outstanding researchers including 7 Kenyans and others from Benin, Cameroon, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Mauritius, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
He challenged scientists from diverse disciplines, whether specialists in environmental science, health, engineering, or policy, that their roles are vital in addressing humanity's complex, interconnected challenges.
Prof. Shaukat observed that we are living in a pivotal era where science must directly support sustainable development. He emphasized the importance of aligning efforts with the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and Africa's Agenda 2063.
It is anticipated that the training will foster curiosity and innovation, creating changemakers who will positively impact institutions, countries, and the world.
"Science, research, and innovation are what we need today to address the many societal challenges we face. More importantly, how can science, research, and innovation inform policy?" posed Prof. Shaukat.
He called on young scientists to engage the distinguished African speakers, who brought a wealth of experience and insight, and to forge partnerships and networks that extend beyond the training to tackle global challenges.
The principal secretary appreciated the conveners of this noble training and the UNESCO family at large for their resources, time, and vision.