The Scientists of Kenya Association (SCOKA), as Everlyn Kimanthi stated, is a non-profit organization established to address the myriad challenges faced by science graduates and professionals in Kenya. The drive to acknowledge this noble endeavour highlighted the necessity of identifying NACOSTI’s role in shaping a dynamic science community that capitalizes on opportunities in the RSTI sector while simultaneously enhancing the livelihoods of Kenyans.
The Director General, NACOSTI, Prof. Walter Oyawa reiterated the importance of the discussions in the wake of the Government’s initiatives to embrace and infuse research, science, technology and innovation (RSTI) into the national productive systems through science, technology and innovation mainstreaming in MDAs. The meeting provided a chance for NACOSTI team led by the Director General to demystify the role of the Commission in matters regulation, coordination, advisory and promotion of RSTI in the Country.
The meeting noted that there may be a disconnect in the use of the words “scientists” or “researchers” taking cognizance of the basic definition of “a scientist” as “someone who systematically gathers and uses research and evidence, to make hypotheses and test them, to gain and share understanding and knowledge”. https://sciencecouncil.org/about-science/our-definition-of-a-scientist/
In this regard, the leadership of SCOKA was advised to benchmark with global best practice. On the other hand, NACOSTI was urged to increase public awareness of its mandate. To this end, it was noted that despite limited resources, NACOSTI continues to fulfil its functions as outlined in the Science Technology and Innovation Act. It was also observed that NACOSTI also maintains a database of reports on licensed projects in its website for general use by publics and stakeholders. It was agreed to enhance mutually beneficial collaboration between young scientists and NACOSTI.