Cognizant of the importance of multi-sectoral synergies in fast-tracking sustainable development in a disrupted world and with the aim of rabblerousing silos the Conference conveners will organize a four-day conference

The conference and exhibition will be in four inter-linked streams or tracks viz.:

(i) an Inter-Ministerial/Interagency High-Level Dialogue Series where Keynote Speakers/Lead discussants will give keynote lectures and also lead discussions on topical issues pertaining to the infusion of science, technology and innovation into the national production and security systems;

(ii) Scientific and Technological Presentations/Discourse where scholars, researchers, innovators, inventors, and professionals will make scholarly/professional presentations and participate in panel discussions;

(iii) Science, Technology and Innovation Exhibitions where MDAs, innovators, and inventors exhibit impacting developed or deployed technologies and innovations; and

(iv) Science and Technology Education Week where key agencies and professionals will display innovative approaches in the teaching of Competency Based Curriculum, and training of the next generation science, technology and innovation workforce, as well as to inspire interest in science and technology among early age learners.

(v) RSTI Olympiad targeting secondary schools. The schools compete in various scientific and innovation themes and winners take home exciting prizes.

 

Conference and Exhibition Focus Areas/Sub-themes

In line with provisions of the Science, Technology and Innovation Act 2013 (Rev. 2014), the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation in consultation with stakeholders developed scientific, technological and innovation (STI) priority areas in relation to the economic and social policies of the Government, and the country’s international commitments. The uptake of STI priorities by the different RSTI sector players in the country will accelerate the attainment of the country’s aspiration as articulated the BETA and MTP IV. The sub-themes of the upcoming 4th Multi-sectoral conference revolve around the approved science, technology and innovation priority areas, and therefore include;

  1. Impacts of Research, Science, Technology and innovation of Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda – Enhancing Kenya’s global competitiveness and institutional excellence.
  2. Whole of government approach, and Mainstreaming of research, science, technology and innovation in programmes MDAs and Private Sector Institutions– Escalating the infusion of RSTI in annual workplans of entities and institutions.
  3. Intellectual Property, Technology transfer, collaboration and commercialization Systems – Implementing best practices in IP Management, fostering partnerships, and promoting capacity building for effective IP protection and commercialization
  4. Sustainable Funding Models for Research and Innovation – Exploring venture capital, public-private partnerships, and government grants
  5. Digital Transformation and Emerging Frontier Technologies – The role of Frontier technologies including AI, blockchain, and big data in research and innovation
  6. Regulatory and Policy Frameworks for Research, Science, Technology and Innovation – Assessing gaps in regulatory framework, and ensuring RSTI inclusivity, advocacy and Diplomacy to promote Technology-driven knowledge-based economic growth
  7. Entrepreneurship and Startups in Science and Technology – Building ecosystems that support innovators and startups in commercializing their research
  8. STEM Education and Talent Development – Foster the next generation workforce
  9. Research and Technology Security, Integrity and Ethics for prosperity – Ensuring quality assurance in research systems geared towards harnessing local and Indigenous knowledge systems safely for inclusive sustainable development