President William Ruto on Tuesday unveiled the Kenya National Research Fund, a government initiative designed to support research in health, agriculture, manufacturing, and climate change.
The announcement coincided with the awarding of a charter to AMREF International University in Kiambu County, which trains more than 3,800 students from 32 countries, 70 per cent of whom are women.
The fund is intended to direct resources toward projects that address national priorities, ensuring universities and research institutions can scale solutions that tackle Kenya’s pressing challenges.
Speaking on social media, Ruto emphasized that institutions aligning their research with the country’s development goals will receive additional support to enhance impact.
AMREF International University was singled out for its contribution to healthcare education and innovation.
The president praised the institution for inspiring other universities to link academic training with practical solutions that respond to the realities faced by communities. He noted that the university demonstrates the potential of African-led approaches to solving continental issues.
The award of a charter formalizes AMREF’s status as a leading center for healthcare training and research.
It also underscores Kenya’s efforts to boost the participation of women in leadership roles within the health sector, reflecting a broader national agenda to promote gender equality in education and professional development.
Experts say the creation of the Kenya National Research Fund aligns with ongoing efforts to transform the country into a knowledge-driven economy.
By incentivizing research that meets national needs, the initiative aims to enhance Kenya’s capacity to innovate in critical sectors such as agriculture, climate adaptation, and manufacturing.
The government’s push for science-driven solutions comes amid wider reforms in higher education and research policy, including increased collaboration between universities and public institutions.
By prioritizing funding for impactful research, the initiative is expected to encourage universities to contribute more directly to economic growth and societal development.
Through these measures, Kenya seeks to harness local expertise to address both domestic and regional challenges while cultivating a generation of skilled professionals capable of advancing innovation and development across multiple sectors.