British envoy pays courtesy call on PS University Education

University Education PS Prof. Collette Suda holds talks on the Newton fund with UK Envoy Nick Hailey

The British Government intends to strengthen her support towards Science, Technology and innovation in Kenya by availing more resources and incorporating other UK partners to support the Newton-Utafiti fund.  This was disclosed during a visit by the British High Commissioner to Kenya Mr. Nick Hailey to the Principal Secretary University Education, Ministry of Education Prof. Collette Suda. The PS expressed her gratitude towards the continuing support and collaboration the UK Government has extended towards supporting research in Kenya. The PS further noted that Newton-Utafiti fund is a milestone in Science, Technology and innovation as this will open up opportunities that will enable UK and Kenyan scientists to work together to achieve greater outcomes for both countries.

The discussion revealed that that out of eleven successful applications to be funded under the programme, UK offered to support 5 projects and 3 thematic workshops through the British Council while Kenya will support 3 workshops through the National Research Fund. The PS reiterated the final selected applicants will be awarded next month during the launch of Newton-Utafiti Fund.

The British envoy said the UK also has interest in developing joint research and innovation programmes among academics, business, and government institutions in Kenya and intends to double research funding. Some of the key areas for collaboration under the Newton-Utafiti Fund include food security, Sustainable and renewable energy and Health, Environment and climate change and other cross cutting issues. He added that the Kenya ST&I partnership will also identify gaps on emerging issues while at the same time provide a platform to develop new knowledge partnerships in science, technology and innovation.

A memorandum of understanding between the two countries signed in July last year (2016) pledged to support the two countries collaborative partnership in research and innovation as well as launch the Newton-Utafiti Fund as part of the wider Newton Fund family. The fund is scheduled to be officially launched next month.