Kenya strengthens education and innovation ties with Italy in high-level bilateral meeting
Date: 2026-02-10
By: Kanto Kai Okanta
Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to
advancing collaboration with Italy in higher education, research, and
innovation, following a bilateral meeting at State House attended by Minister
Anna Maria Bernini of Italy and Kenyan officials, including Principal Secretary
for the State Department of Science, Research and Innovation, Prof. Shaukat
Abdulrazak.
During
the meeting, President William Ruto emphasized that a strong and responsive
education system is central to Kenya’s national development agenda. He
highlighted the importance of building an education system that not only
produces graduates but also generates practical solutions to societal and
economic challenges.
The
discussions placed particular focus on research and innovation as key drivers
of industrial growth, job creation, and technological advancement.
Modernization and strengthening of Technical and Vocational Education and
Training (TVET) institutions was also emphasized as a national priority,
equipping young people with practical skills relevant to industry and
supporting Kenya’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.
The
engagement aims to deepen partnerships that will expand collaboration between
universities, promote mobility of students and academic staff, enhance access
to modern research infrastructure, and accelerate knowledge transfer in
emerging fields including artificial intelligence, precision medicines,
genomics, and quantum technologies.
Prof.
Abdulrazak, together with Principal Secretary for Higher Education Beatrice
Inyangala and Special Envoy on Technology Ambassador Philip Thigo, reaffirmed
their commitment to ensuring that Kenya’s education, research, and TVET reforms
deliver lasting impact for the country. Key institutions involved include the
National Commission for Science and Technology (NACOSTI), Kenya Space Agency,
Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), and the National Research Fund.
