Highlights from the Eldoret Innovation Action Plan Launch Event

The Innovate UK KTN Global Alliance Africa project is a six-year project funded by UK Aid through Innovate UK (GCRF) and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). 

At the launch, stakeholders expressed their excitement, goodwill and strong intentions in supporting the innovation ecosystem in Eldoret town, through the Place-Based Innovation programme.

Dr. Nee-Joo Teh, the Project Director of KTN Global Alliance Africa said,

“The Innovate UK KTN Global Alliance Africa team has been enthused by the genuine dedication and support from the Eldoret community stakeholders in producing its Eldoret Innovation Action Plan. We are honoured to work with Eldoret to achieve its ambition as a model innovation hub for its neighbouring cities and empower the local ecosystem by supporting local innovation and businesses for Kenya and global opportunities.”

Other keynote speakers included H.E Josephine Gauld, British Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya, Magdalene Chepkemoi, Founder & Executive Director EldoHub. H.E Josephine Gauld highlighted UK’s commitment to Kenya in building win-win partnerships that are long-term, meaningful and mutually beneficial, by establishing strong connections between government, research institutions, business innovators and entrepreneurs.

Panellists from diverse sectors from the Eldoret innovation community discussed measures that would ensure the success of the Place-Based Innovation. The panel discussion was moderated by Willy Kenei, Chairman Chamber of Commerce, and focused on the state of local innovation in Uasin Gishu and the role of the quadruple helix. Panellists were Dr. Emily Kogos, CEC ICT and Trade Uasin Gishu Chapter, Prof. Masibo, Moi University, Prof. Miriam Kinyua, University of Eldoret, Joshua Kemboi, EldoHub and Jackline Edung- General Manager, Safaricom PLC.

The panellist discussion was followed by a site visit to Tumaini Innovation Center, and later at EldoHub, where key guests had a tour of the facility and a fireside chat with innovators.

Finally, KTN Global Alliance Africa’s Country Lead for Kenya, Sheilah Birgen, echoed KTN’s commitment in supporting the realisation and sustainability of the Eldoret Innovation Action Plan to meet its vision;

“By 2025, Eldoret’s innovation ecosystem will be a source of prosperity for all, characterised by meaningful employment opportunities for a tech-savvy workforce, and strong links with established connections with regional, national and international partners.”

To learn more about Place-Based Innovation in Eldoret, please download the Audit Report here and read the Eldoret Innovation Action Plan here.

For more information visit our Place-Based Innovation page.