Kenya: President Kenyatta Increases Innovation Funding by $1 Million

President Uhuru Kenyatta has increased the annual funding for innovation at the University of Nairobi (UoN) by $1 million to support innovators and universities in advancing technology in Kenya.

“I remain encouraged by the innovative initiatives being undertaken by the University of Nairobi. This University has remained true to its status, being our oldest and most distinguished institution of higher learning,” Kenyatta said.

He was speaking at the opening of the UoN’s Nairobi Innovation Week.

The additional government funding will be used to fund new innovations. It will also go towards the exhibition which the university holds annually to showcase its various innovations in products and services.

President Kenyatta called for government agencies and private sector support to innovators by investing in their projects.

He urged young Kenyan innovators to come up with solutions to reduce the cost of health services. Expensive healthcare in the country forces many people to seek cheaper options overseas, mostly in India.

“Too many of our people still don’t have healthcare they can afford, will one of you find a way to lower healthcare costs?” he asked.

The President also challenged institutions of higher learning in the country to put more focus on teaching sciences. “We must keep improving the teaching and application of education in science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.”

The 2nd Nairobi Innovation Week is currently ongoing at the UoN Grounds in Nairobi with 39 scheduled speakers and 1, 118 delegates in attendance.

The platform for showcasing innovations, presenting research findings and championing discussions on innovation in the country will close on August 5.

Source: Footprint to Africa