To promote and support innovation in key sectors.
The Kenyan economy exhibits limited levels on innovation required to foster increased output and productivity improvements necessary for employment and wealth creation. In this regard, a biannual National Innovation Survey will be conducted to determine the incidence of innovation in the national priority areas as well as determining the impediments to increased innovation in those sectors. Additionally, to intensify innovation, the funding for basic and applied research at higher institutions of learning, as well as for research and development conducted in collaboration with industries will be increased to Kshs. 37 billion by 2012.
In order to promote greater efficiency in various national priority sectors, promote international competitiveness and assure consumer acceptance, a programme to promote standardisation and quality assurance in the various sectors will be implemented. This will strengthen existing systems and bring them up to par with international best practice. Indigenous knowledge and technology, which is part of Kenya’s national heritage, remains unmapped. Moreover, it has exposed the country’s national heritage to misuse by external interest groups. Measures will therefore be taken to identify and protect this heritage. In order to encourage innovation and other scientific endeavors, a system of national recognition will be established to honour innovators.
Increased innovation