By: Kanto Kai Okanta
AIMS Research and Innovation Centre has held discussions with senior
officials from the State Department for Science,
Research and Innovation to explore opportunities for strengthening
scientific research and innovation in Kenya.
The meeting brought together a delegation from AIMS
led by Wilfred Ndifon, President of the
AIMS Research and Innovation Centre and Chief Scientific Officer of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences
network. The delegation met with Shaukat
Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation in
Kenya.
During the meeting, AIMS
representatives highlighted the organisation’s work in strengthening Africa’s
scientific leadership through advanced training and research in
application-driven mathematical sciences. Discussions focused on the role of
African researchers in addressing the continent’s development challenges
through locally driven scientific solutions.
Officials emphasized the need for
Africa to build its own research agenda and invest in developing a stronger
base of scientists and researchers capable of tackling complex problems
affecting the continent.
Abdulrazak underscored the importance
of increasing the number of doctoral-level researchers and strengthening
research clusters in priority sectors such as agriculture, food security and
digital infrastructure. He also highlighted the need to ensure that scientific
research contributes directly to policy development and societal impact.
The meeting also addressed the
growing importance of applied mathematics in solving real-world challenges,
including fields such as mathematical epidemiology and other data-driven
scientific disciplines.
Participants
said the discussions marked a step toward potential partnerships aimed at
supporting Kenya’s national research and innovation priorities while expanding
opportunities for African-led scientific research and capacity development.
