Science, Technology and Innovation Mainstreaming – Performance Indicator FY 2023/24

Preamble

Investments in Research, Science, Technology and Innovation (RSTI) is indispensable for any Country or entity that seeks to secure public safety, and national security, as well as accelerate the realization of inclusive sustainable development. The dire need for deployment and infusion of RSTI into national and global systems is further expounded by the catastrophic impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on humanity, and the prevailing global insecurity and economic meltdown as may have been occasioned by regional conflicts, climate change, and environmental degradation.

Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Mainstreaming is for all MDAs that contribute towards the attainment of Kenya’s Vision 2030 (see https://vision2030.go.ke/project/sti-awareness/) which has listed STI as a key enabler. Kenya Vision 2030 and its Medium-Term Plans recognize the role of Research, Science, Technology and Innovation (RSTI) in increasing productivity, enhancing efficiency levels, accelerating economic development, as well as creating comparative advantage and competitiveness of the country. RSTI is also recognized as key in transforming the country from a factor-based to an innovation-led, knowledge economy. Most recently, His Excellency the President  and Commander in Chief of the armed forces has established a Presidential Advisory Council on Science and Technology, thus affirming the overriding/key role that Science, Technology and Innovation will play in public and private sector ventures and enterprises.

In light of the aforementioned, the STI Mainstreaming in MDAs PC Target is aimed at ensuring that all MDAs entrench science, technology and innovation into the national production system and for connected purposes as per the provisions of the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Act 2013 (Rev. 2014). By undertaking the PC Target on STI Mainstreaming, MDAs are bound or destined to make significant contribution to (i)Kenya’s Global Innovation Index, (ii)Kenya’s World Competitiveness Ranking, (iii)Kenya’s SDG Index, (iv)Ranking of the Most Technologically Advanced Countries In The World, (v)Kenya’s World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, (vi)Kenya’s ICT Ranking (vii)Kenya’s Frontier Technologies Index, and (viii) Kenya’s World Talent Ranking, all of which are direct or indirect measures of National prosperity and National Security, as well as enhanced public good and well-being of citizenry.

Eligibility

Eligible MDAs are MDAs involved in the National Production System and contributing towards the attainment of Kenya’s Vision 2030, and may be grouped as below:

  1. Research Institutions, Universities as well as their regulating agencies
  2. Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET)/Tertiary institutions as well as their regulating agencies
  3. Other MDA’s with research, technology and innovation centres/units/activities, or whose strategies/activities contribute towards (i)Kenya’s Global Innovation Index, (ii)Kenya’s World Competitiveness Ranking, (iii)Kenya’s SDG Index, (iv)Ranking of the Most Technologically Advanced Countries in The World, (v)Kenya’s World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, (vi)Kenya’s ICT Ranking (vii)Kenya’s Frontier Technologies Index, and (viii) Kenya’s World Talent Ranking, among other indices.

(The list of institutions is provided here)

Key Activities

Depending on the level of implementation, MDAs are required to appoint STI focal person and champions for a period of three (3) years renewable subject to performance (if they have not yet done so) and ensure that the STI focal person and champions are trained adequately.

Further, MDAs are required to undertake the following:

  1. Develop (for new entrants into the STI Mainstreaming PC Target) or implement the developed/reviewed institutional  STI Mainstreaming Strategy using the template provided on NACOSTI’s website (30%);
  2.  Develop and implement STI Mainstreaming annual work plan for institutional STI Mainstreaming (50%); and
  3.  Promptly and accurately submit quarterly and annual report to NACOSTI using the STI Mainstreaming reporting template provided on NACOSTI’s website (20%);              

All MDAs are required to prepare and submit quarterly performance reports online to NACOSTI within 15 days following the end of a quarter and the annual performance reports within 15 days after the end of the contract period as per the templates provided. MDAs may also be called upon to verity and/or validate data provided through submission of requisite evidence.