Abdulrazak says Kenya should move beyond importing technologies Stella Lang'at, Secretary Adminstration, State Dept of Science, Research and Innovation speaks during the Africa Technology Leadership Conference briefing in Nairobi/ HANDOUT Stella Lang'at, Secretary Adminstration, State Dept of Science, Research and Innovation speaks during the Africa Technology Leadership Conference briefing in Nairobi/ HANDOUT Kenya hopes to ride on science, research and innovation to drive growth, create jobs and compete globally, Science, Research and Innovation PS Shaukat Abdulrazak has said.
Speaking at a media briefing on the forthcoming Africa Technology Leadership Conference (ATLC) 2026 set for Nairobi, Abdulrazak said Kenya should move beyond importing technologies and instead become a producer and exporter of home-grown innovations. The conference, set for October 22-23 will bring together more than 3,500 policymakers, researchers, investors, diplomats and industry leaders to discuss how science and technology can drive economic transformation across the continent.
Abdulrazak said Africa's long-term prosperity depends on its ability to generate knowledge, commercialise research and build institutions that support innovation. "Kenya seeks not merely to host a conversation about technology but to help shape Africa's science, research, innovation and technology agenda," he said.
The PS said sub-Saharan Africa spends only 0.38 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product on research and development, far below the global average of 1.92 per cent. The region also has just 88 researchers per one million people compared with more than 4,300 in Europe and North America.
"These are not just statistics. They reflect our capacity to develop medicines, improve agricultural productivity, strengthen industries and respond to emerging challenges," he said. Abdulrazak urged African governments to invest more in research institutions, laboratories and scientific talent while creating policies that support innovation and commercialisation.