The Commission for University Education (CUE) has advocated for a huge chunk of the funds set aside for research and development to be earmarked specifically to universities.The Commission’s CEO Prof Mike Kuria said out of the 2% of the country’s’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP) committed to research and development, a huge percentage should go to universities to enable them conduct their core mandates in these areas effectively.
Speaking during a tree planting exercise at Zetech University, Prof Kuria said several areas of research and innovations in universities have stagnated, with researchers getting frustrated as their ideas and innovations end up on the shelves due to underfunding.
He said the commission has written reports recommending the same, and hopes it will be implemented.
The commitment of 2% of the country’s GDP is part of the Science, Technology and innovation Act of 2013 that seeks to boost the Science, Technology and Innovation sector. However, according to the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), Kenya spends about 0.8% of its GDP on research and development, a fact that has made it a challenge for researchers to carry out their responsibilities.
According to Prof Kuria, universities require this money to come up with new ideas and innovations, key for growth and to enable the country to compete in the global economy.
“A lot of Kenya’s research is carried out in higher education learning institutions, making them important assets in improving the country’s economy. There is also a lot of competition for government funding where you find hundreds of students sending in their proposals, but only a handful managing to get it. This is due to inadequate funding. If more money is set aside as per the proposal, then this challenge will be addressed,” said Prof Kuria.
On environmental conservation, the CEO urged universities to plant tree species that support their institutions’ technical and research missions that can be used for their research initiatives.
Zetech University Vice Chancellor Prof Njenga Munene, echoed Prof Kuria’s sentiments saying most of the trees grown at the institution are meant for research as well as to green the environment.
The VC at the same time reaffirmed the university’s commitment to integrate sustainability into its operations and curriculum, positioning the institution as a model for green practices in higher education.
“Zetech has already established a tree nursery with trees of various species that we use for research. We have also come up with a greening exercise which seeks to contribute to climate resilience,” he said.
By Muoki Charles
