Kenya Innovation Week: transforming ideas into global impact

Driving collective impact across Sub-Saharan Africa

In a major announcement that stole the spotlight, President William Ruto revealed that KeNIA will be moved to the Office of the President as part of efforts to streamline operations, improve resource mobilisation, and enhance coordination across the country’s innovation ecosystem. This shift signifies a decisive step in positioning innovation as a cornerstone of economic growth and youth enterprise development. Along with the structural change, KeNIA’s annual budget will be increased, and it will join forces with five other regional innovation agencies to form a new alliance aimed at driving greater collective impact across Sub-Saharan Africa.

At the UK Pavilion during KIW 2024, Innovate UK’s Global Alliance Africa (GAA) team took centre stage, presenting a curated selection of dynamic UK-Kenya collaborations. The pavilion showcased several innovative projects that align with the UK’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. The seven initiatives featured at the pavilion are part of UK government-backed programs working across Africa to address pressing global challenges. These included the Frontier Technologies Hub, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, TRANSFORM in collaboration with Unilever, Science for Africa Foundation (SFA), RIIS (The Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability), RISA (The Research and Innovation Systems for Africa), and Funguo. These programs focus on driving innovation in sustainability, economic development, and strengthening UK-Kenya bilateral relations.

Featured exhibitors

Among the featured exhibitors was Enso Impact, a UK-based project development company focused on Sub-Saharan Africa. Enso’s solar thermal dryer in Eldoret, Kenya, is a game-changer in reducing post-harvest losses, boosting product value, and enhancing market access in the agricultural sector. Similarly, WEEE Centre is revolutionising the safe recycling and disposal of electronic waste, including phasing out hazardous Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) in Kenya, a solution that has significant environmental and economic implications.

Kenberry (Chrome Partners), collaborating with the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya (FPEAK), showcased an innovative packaging solution designed to extend the shelf life of perishable goods, providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to air freight for fresh produce exports to Europe. Meanwhile, Mount Kenya University (MKU), in partnership with Unilever Kenya, presented a groundbreaking recycling and refill model that helps reduce plastic waste through a collaboration between academia and the private sector.

The companies featured in this year’s Kenya Innovation Week embody the spirit of collaboration and innovation that Innovate UK fosters globally.

– Ken Mogane, British High Commission in Kenya

These initiatives represent the heart of the UK-Kenya collaboration, which was further reinforced by Innovate UK’s ongoing engagement in side-events such as the Space Summit. Alana Kruger, Innovate UK’s Global Alliance Africa South Africa Country Lead, underscored the growing opportunities for space innovators across the continent. Innovate UK also explored potential collaborations with Konza Technopolis, looking into open innovation support options to address unique challenges that often require custom solutions.

Strengthening business links between Kenya and the UK

Innovate UK remains a strategic partner to KeNIA, and this year’s announcement to elevate KeNIA to the Office of the President marks a new chapter in their collaboration. Both entities are focused on strengthening business linkages between Kenya and the UK, with an emphasis on shared prosperity through innovation.

Looking ahead, Innovate UK’s continued support for Kenya’s innovation landscape is a testament to the growing impact of these partnerships. Michael Nzungi, Kenya Country Lead for GAA, summed up the sentiment:

Through the support of the Global Alliance Africa team and the British High Commission, these partnerships are helping shape Kenya’s future in technology, sustainability, and economic growth.

As Kenya positions itself as a leader in innovation, the future looks bright, driven by a vibrant ecosystem of collaborative efforts and a strong commitment to sustainable development.