Kenya: Kenya Innovations Week officially concluded on December 1, 2023. The Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ababu Namwamba, presided over the closing ceremony for the event. During the ceremony, he appreciated the young innovators for using their work to help make the world a better place.
“You are inspiring and thought-provoking people to watch. The ideas you put forth in imagining the kind of Africa we want to see through inventions and innovation is commendable,” He said.
The Cabinet Secretary assured the delegates of the Government’s commitment to place innovation as a key pivot in the national development. He added that innovation is at the heart of Kenyan President William Ruto’s BETA Plan.
CS Ababu Namwamba committed an investment of KES 20 Million from the Ministry, as seed capital. The sum will go into developing the prototype Youth Innovation Hub. This, in turn will serve as an ignition towards transforming all empowerment centres across Kenya into innovation Hubs.
He further appreciated the key roles private sectors play to spur innovation. At the same time, he urged the sector to continue the incredible partnership with Government. He believes that they can do this by helping put in place measures that help advance innovation.
The Cabinet Secretary lauded the business magnate and philanthropist Dr Manu Chandaria, who was present at the closing ceremony, for the continued support for innovation in Kenya and Beyond.
He took part in awarding the county winners of Presidential innovation awards. Every award winner received a sum of KES 500,000 as a support to advance their innovations.
The overall winners and the best innovation will be unveiled by President William Ruto during this year’s Jamhuri Day Celebrations.
CS Ababu was joined by several other stakeholders at the closing ceremony of the Kenya Innovation Week. The attendants included, among other leaders:
- Kenya Innovation Agency CEO Dr Tonny Omwansa,
- Anita Collins, Project Officer Strategy Portfolio Partnerships and Digital Division of the Commonwealth,
- Amb Dr Josephine Ojiambo, Former Assistant Secretary General of the Commonwealth,
- Youth Development Secretary Mr Ray Ochieng