NRF Advances Research and Innovation Partnerships under UK–Kenya STI Framework

The National Research Fund (NRF) participated in a high-level consultative meeting on science, technology and innovation (STI) held on January 16 under the UK–Kenya Strategic Partnership Framework, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to deepening bilateral collaboration in research and innovation.

The meeting was led by Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, and attended by NRF Chief Executive Officer Prof. Dickson Andala. Also present was Ms. Fran Davies, Head of Global Science at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), alongside officials from the British High Commission Nairobi.

Discussions centered on strengthening STI cooperation and identifying opportunities to advance shared national and bilateral priorities, including the application of artificial intelligence across research and innovation clusters. These focus areas align closely with NRF’s mandate to mobilize and finance research, build national research capacity, and support innovation that responds to Kenya’s development challenges. Through such engagements, NRF continues to play a central role in fostering strategic partnerships, supporting evidence-informed policy, and strengthening Kenya’s research ecosystem. By linking research financing, capacity development, and international collaboration, the Fund contributes to building a safe, responsible, and impactful science and innovation environment for sustainable national development.