The Commission for University Education (CUE) and other stakeholders in the higher education sector are calling for an increase in research funding to universities, highlighting the critical role these institutions play as the country’s main research hubs.
Despite their importance, universities in Kenya face significant challenges in research, primarily due to inadequate funding and insufficient infrastructure.
Researchers, including both students and faculty, have been forced to find alternative means of funding, often relying on external sources or collaborating with other institutions. However, competition for limited funds has resulted in many valuable research proposals being shelved or delayed.
CUE CEO, Prof. Mike Kuria, stressed the importance of addressing these challenges by advocating for the extension of part of the two percent of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to be allocated to research and development in higher learning institutions. This, he said, would reduce the over-reliance on external funding and help mitigate project delays.
“The lack of adequate funding has made it difficult for universities to meet the growing demand for research. If we could extend the current funding allocation to include more research support, universities would be better equipped to carry out their work and contribute to the development of the country,” Prof. Kuria said during a visit to Zetech University’s Mang’u campus in Juja, Kiambu County.
Research funding in Kenya is currently below what is required to make a significant impact. According to the Central Bank of Kenya, the country’s GDP stood at Sh13.5 trillion in 2022, with only about 0.8 percent of that allocated to research and development.
By contrast, many developed nations allocate more than three percent of their GDP to research. This discrepancy, according to experts, puts Kenya at a disadvantage in terms of advancing scientific and technological innovations.
In March, the National Research Fund (NRF) proposed a revamp of the governing laws surrounding science, technology, and innovation, which includes the possibility of increasing the research allocation to two percent of GDP—roughly Sh260 billion. This would significantly boost the capacity of universities to conduct research that could contribute to solving national challenges and boosting economic growth.
Prof. Kuria expressed strong support for earmarking a portion of the funds specifically for universities, which he believes have a primary responsibility to conduct research. “Universities are at the heart of research. They should be given the resources they need to carry out this crucial work,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, Zetech University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Njenga Munene, emphasized the need for adequate research funding to fuel the country’s economic growth. “Research is central to solving many of the challenges that we face as a society. It’s only through research that we can develop solutions that address issues like poverty, health, and education. That’s why proper investment in research infrastructure is so important,” Prof. Munene said.
He also called on the government and relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Education and the National Research Fund, to expedite the release of current research allocations to universities to ease the financial pressures on researchers and ensure timely completion of projects.
“The government must release the current allocation to universities to ease financial burdens and allow researchers to focus on their work without the worry of delays,” Prof. Munene added.
During the visit, Prof. Kuria praised Zetech University’s progress in terms of infrastructure, including modern laboratories and innovation labs. He noted that these facilities are crucial for providing quality education and conducting impactful research.
“I’ve seen students at Zetech University who have participated in international competitions and won awards. This is the direction we need to take—producing students who can compete and excel on the global stage,” he concluded.
