PATENT OR PERISH

On 16^th February 2012, the National Council for Science and Technology (NCST) held a sensitization workshop at Kabarak University with the theme “Opportunities under Science, Technology and Innovation” (ST&I). Present were members from the NCST led by their C.E.O. Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, KABU led by the V.C Prof. Dankit Nassiuma, KARI officials, KEMRI, Mount Kenya University, Egerton University, Kenya Methodist University among others. Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak was the main speaker, zeroing in on innovations and the role of NCST in this.

He began by emphasizing that Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) is the bedrock upon which vision 2030 lies, an addition to what the D.V.C, Prof. Peter Kibas, had termed as the key to everything. The social, political and economic pillars are founded on this very foundation, failure to which no progress may be made. It is research that has seen countries like South Africa ranked 50^th on the global scale while Kenya still averages at position 102. In comparing the two countries, it was noted that Kenya had 6.6% and South Africa 46.4% of the subcontinent’s publications in 2008.

“Transformative research is vital,” he continued. Bearing in mind the population explosion facing the world today, even higher figures are yet to be. However, it is only the population that seems to ever increase; as the environment stagnates where it were ages ago. He encouraged research that aims at meeting demand, an idea shared by his colleague Dr. Kitaka, considering the impacts of research to the society.

“Research should shape policy, create wealth, knowledge and development, and address societal issues,” he continued. He insisted that it is not in order for innovators to live poor yet they own ideas that cause change. The knowledge generated from research should be used in shaping policies that affect the community at large.

In terms of grants, a hundred and sixty eight (168) research projects have been funded since the year 2008. In the South Rift region more than eighty three (83) million has been granted, of which KABU has received close to three million. Respondents between ages 41-50 are on the lead, thus challenging the younger generation. So far, 35 of the 62 universities and colleges in Kenya have received funding from NCST.

He finished by quoting Nelson Mandela who once said that “It always seems impossible…until it is done.” As such, all ought to embrace innovation. As Albert Einstein said, a new kind of thinking is needed when solving problems, different from the one in existent when creating it. 

by Njogu Bonface