The National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) in line with its mandate and function of Leading inter-agency efforts to implement sound policies and budgets, working in collaboration with the county governments, and organizations involved in science and technology and innovation within Kenya and outside Kenya, paid a courtesy call to the office of the RSTI focal person Ms. Beatrice Lukoko at the Trans-Nzoia county.
The Consultative meeting was on “STI mainstreaming at the counties through establishing County technology and innovations advisory and prospecting centres to coordinate technology transfer and adoption” which was aimed to explore and accelerate the integration of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) at the county level. In addition, it was envisaged to strengthen the regulation, coordination and promotion of RSTI at the count level.
For instance, on March 3 and 7, 2024 a Swiss national was allegedly found at Iten Township in Elgeyo Marakwet County while drawing blood samples from athletes and non-athletes, without license from the National Commission for Scientific Technology and Innovation. They pleaded guilty to five counts of offences and were fined a total of Ksh400,000 or go to jail for three years and 10 months.
These initiatives will steer enhanced governance of RSTI at the county to curb incidences and contribute to anchoring RSTI in local production and consumption systems. The discussion demonstrated the dedication that NACOSTI has in advancing research, innovation, and sustainable development within the counties by growing science, technology, and innovation for national prosperity and the public good.