Science, Research, Innovation and Technology form the backbone of modern economic competitiveness and national development, Professor Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary, State Department for Science, Research & Innovation said.
Delivering his keynote address as the chief guest during the Information Meeting with Life Scientists on Research and Biotechnology Developments in Nairobi, Prof Shaukat underscored that, governments across the world are investing strategically in research capabilities, advanced technologies, and innovation ecosystems to address social challenges, enhance productivity, and drive sustainable growth.
‘’Kenya is no exception that’s why His Excellence the President of the Republic of Kenya created a State Department to unlock the potential in the sector Said Prof. Shaukat adding that under BETA, it is supposed to address food security, MSME growth, youth and women employment, and climate resilience.
PS Shaukat noted that research plays a critical role in national development. It informs policy, drives innovation, supports economic growth, and improves the wellbeing of the people.
The PS reported that one of the policies that are under consideration by the State Department for enactment is the draft national biosecurity and dual-use research policy and the draft biosecurity bill. The two and many other draft policies will go a long way to address some of the gaps, challenges and emerging issues in the bio-sector.
Acknowledging distinguished Guests, Development Partners, Representatives from Research Institutions, Academia, Health Sector, Security Agencies, and Civil Society, Prof. Shaukat commended the conveners of the forum, terming it as timely and necessary as Kenya continues to strengthen its national research governance framework.
“Allow me to express our sincere appreciation to the Government of Italy, the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development (AICS), and the (International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology ICGEB) for their partnership in making this workshop possible. Your continued investment in capacity building and responsible science greatly contributes to strengthening research systems in Kenya and the region.” PS Shaukat said in his address.
Research can only deliver the many benefits when it is conducted within a clear, lawful, and well-coordinated regulatory framework. The PS reiterated that obtaining a research permit is mandatory for all research conducted in Kenya a requirement anchored in law under the Science, Technology and Innovation Act, 2013, specifically Sections 12 through 22.
“All persons and institutions conducting research in Kenya are required to register and obtain authorization from the national regulator before undertaking any research activity.” Said the PS in his speech. He added that these provisions exist to ensure ethical conduct, protection of research participants and communities, safeguarding of national interests, and the integrity and credibility of research outputs.
PS Prof. Shaukat clarified that enforcement of the legal provisions is not intended to discourage research, but rather to ensure accountability, quality assurance, and responsible research practices across the country.
“Compliance and accessibility must go hand in hand. We cannot achieve a strong and credible STI ecosystem without adherence to the law, just as we cannot expect compliance if regulatory systems are poorly understood or inaccessible” said Prof Shaukat adding that forums such as the day’s workshop are critical for awareness creation, dialogue, and partnership between regulators, researchers, and institutions.
He urged all researchers and institutions represented here to ensure full compliance with research permitting requirements, engaged proactively with regulatory authorities and contribute constructively to ongoing efforts to improve regulatory services and oversight.
The PS reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting responsible research, strengthening governance, and enabling innovation for sustainable development.
By Joseph Kamolo Mutua
