NRF Co-Convenes 4th NACOSTI Multisectoral Conference on Science, Technology, and Innovation
The National Research Fund (NRF) was honoured to co-convene the 4th Multisectoral Conference and Exhibition on Research, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MS‑CORSTI), held from 9th to 12th June 2025 at Lake Naivasha Resort, Nakuru County. Hosted by the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), the conference brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders from across government, academia, the private sector, and civil society under the theme: “Research, Technology and Innovation: Impacts, Intellectual Property Protection and Monetization.”
The event served as a national platform to reflect on the role of research and innovation in driving Kenya’s socio-economic transformation, particularly within the context of Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Through exhibitions, technical sessions, keynote speeches and side events, participants engaged in meaningful dialogue on how to foster an inclusive and vibrant research ecosystem.
As one of the co-conveners, NRF played a key role in steering conversations around funding, intellectual property, and innovation ecosystems. Our Board Chair, Prof. Ratemo Michieka, shared his expertise during high-level discussions, contributing to debates on intellectual property protection, knowledge monetization, and the empowerment of youth through research and innovation.
In addition, several NRF-funded researchers had the opportunity to showcase their work during the exhibition segment of the conference. Their projects, spanning diverse fields such as climate resilience, digital technology, health, and agriculture, demonstrated the tangible impact of homegrown research when given the right support. These innovations reflect NRF’s commitment to enabling solutions that respond to local needs while contributing to global scientific conversations.
Beyond funding, NRF views such forums as critical for shaping policy direction, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and amplifying the voices of researchers. MS‑CORSTI also provided an important platform for the younger generation, with youth-oriented activities such as the RSTI Olympiad and sessions on STEM career pathways.
As the conversations sparked at the conference continue to unfold, NRF reaffirms its mission to fund and promote research that delivers real-world impact. Through strategic partnerships and continued investment in research excellence, we remain committed to building a knowledge-driven future for Kenya.
