President William Ruto has emphasized the critical role of technology and innovation in fostering economic growth, reducing inequality, and creating opportunities for all Kenyans.
Speaking at the launch of the 4th Kenya Innovation Week in Nairobi, Ruto reiterated the government’s commitment to positioning Kenya as a global innovation hub.
“We are leveraging technology and innovation to create opportunities, reduce inequality, and drive our country’s economic growth,” President Ruto stated, highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to scale up investments in the innovation sector.
One of the key initiatives he pointed to was the establishment of the KSh1 billion Start Up Fund, which is designed to support budding entrepreneurs and startups in Kenya.
This fund, according to the president, will provide a solid foundation for innovation-driven growth, particularly by empowering the youth who are seen as critical drivers of Kenya’s future economic success.
In addition to the Start Up Fund, President Ruto also underscored the significance of the 10-Year Innovation Masterplan, which is aimed at creating a sustainable innovation ecosystem in Kenya.
The plan, he said, is aligned with the government’s broader vision of fostering a knowledge-based economy that will be able to compete on the global stage.
Kenya’s Innovation Agenda Gets a Boost
In a move to enhance the efficiency and reach of innovation initiatives, the President also announced that the Kenya Innovation Agency (KIA) will be relocated to the Office of the President.
This strategic shift is intended to ensure that innovation efforts are better integrated across all government departments, thereby driving greater impact.
“We are moving the Kenya Innovation Agency to the Office of the President to ensure effective leverage and coordination across the government.
This will enable us to fast-track the development of innovation in Kenya,” President Ruto explained.
The announcement comes as part of a broader effort by the government to harness the power of innovation to address key challenges, including unemployment and inequality.
The government has also been working to create an enabling environment for the growth of technology-based startups, which have the potential to contribute significantly to Kenya’s GDP.
A Focus on Youth Empowerment
A core component of the government’s innovation agenda is youth empowerment. With the youth constituting a large portion of the Kenyan population, President Ruto emphasized the importance of providing them with the tools and opportunities to succeed in the innovation sector.
“The youth are our future. By supporting startups and investing in technology, we are giving them the power to shape the future of Kenya,” he said.
The President’s statement at the launch of the Kenya Innovation Week signals a strong commitment to building a vibrant and sustainable innovation ecosystem in Kenya, positioning the country to become a leader in technological advancements in Africa and beyond.
