By: Ivy C. Baraiywo, Corporate Communications.

       The Kenya National Research Festival (KNRF) 2024, organized by the National Research Fund (NRF) in collaboration with Young Scientists Kenya (YSK), brought together a wide range of stakeholders to celebrate and promote the spirit of research and innovation across the country. This inaugural event, held from the 19^th to the 23^rd of August 2024 at The Edge Convention Centre in South C – Nairobi, marked a historic moment in Kenya’s scientific and research landscape, highlighting the nation’s commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration.

       As the first-ever event of its kind, the festival attracted researchers, innovators, and thought leaders from across the country and beyond, under the theme ‘Research Partnerships and Collaborations for Socio-economic Transformation: Catalysing National Development Through Research.‘  This theme underscored the festival’s mission to drive socio-economic development through research, encouraging collaborations that span both domestic and international boundaries. The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Mr. Felix K. Koskei, the Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, and other key stakeholders who emphasized the importance of research in driving Kenya’s future growth.

       Strategically designed to raise awareness about the diverse spectrum of research activities in Kenya and internationally, the festival aimed to foster a conducive environment for collaboration. It provided a platform to instil principles of robust leadership in research and elevate the overall research culture. A primary focus was placed on interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, and transdisciplinary research, emphasizing current and future initiatives that contribute to the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This approach ensured that the festival not only celebrated past achievements but also paved the way for future innovations.

A key highlight of the festival was the inaugural National Outstanding Researchers Awards (NORA), celebrating the remarkable achievements of Kenyan researchers. These awards recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to scientific discovery, solved societal challenges, and driven economic transformation in Kenya. The awards ceremony, held on Friday, August 23^rd, was a momentous occasion, honouring the dedication and impact of these outstanding researchers.

  The National Outstanding Research Awards recognized several distinguished researchers for their groundbreaking contributions:

1. Professor Mary Abukutsa-Onyango – Celebrated for her pioneering research in agricultural sciences, particularly in the promotion and sustainability of indigenous vegetables and plants. Her work has significantly contributed to food security and nutrition in Kenya and beyond.
2. Dr. Oscar Omondi Donde – Recognized for his dedication to environmental sustainability and research, particularly in water resource management and ecosystem health. His leadership at Egerton University and his numerous research initiatives have advanced environmental conservation in Africa.
3. Christine Wayua Musyimi – Honored for her innovative research in community mental health, focusing on interventions for depression, dementia, and intimate partner violence in underserved communities. Her work has significantly increased mental health care access in remote settings in Kenya.
4. Eng. Aggrey Shitsukane Shisiali – Acknowledged for his contributions to electrical and electronics engineering, particularly in technical and vocational education and training (TVET). His expertise in automation and telecommunications has elevated Kenya’s engineering education standards.

  In addition to the year’s awards National Outstanding Researcher Awards (NORA) featured the introduction of the Lifetime Research Awards, recommended by the Jury to honor researchers whose work has significantly shaped the research landscape in Kenya. The Lifetime Research Awards were conferred upon three eminent scholars:

1. Professor David Musyimi Ndetei – Recognized with the Outstanding Social Sciences Lifetime Award for his pioneering work in psychiatry and mental health. Prof. Ndetei’s groundbreaking research and advocacy have greatly advanced mental health services and policy in Kenya and globally.
2. Professor Ruth Nduati – Honored with the Outstanding Life Sciences Lifetime Award for her contributions to pediatric and public health research. Her groundbreaking work in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV has set a global standard, improving healthcare outcomes in Kenya and beyond.
3. Professor Paul Kamau Mbugua – Awarded the Lifetime Award for his contributions to plant taxonomy, biosystematics, and biodiversity conservation. Prof. Mbugua’s research on indigenous medicinal plants and sustainable conservation practices has had a profound impact on both national and global scientific communities.

  These awards not only celebrated individual excellence but also highlighted the collective effort of the research community in advancing Kenya’s development goals. The Kenya National Research Festival has set the stage for future events, creating a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering innovation, and building partnerships that will propel Kenya towards a brighter future. As we look forward to the next festival, we remain committed to supporting and celebrating the brilliant minds that are shaping the research landscape in Kenya.

  At the closing ceremony, Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba highlighted the festival’s pivotal role in fostering research partnerships and collaborations that drive socio-economic transformation. He acknowledged the significant contributions of all participants and expressed gratitude to distinguished guests for their support. Emphasizing the festival’s theme, he underscored the critical importance of research in advancing sustainable development and addressing global challenges. The Cabinet Secretary commended the remarkable achievements of the award winners, celebrated the dynamic exchange of ideas, and reaffirmed the commitment to continued innovation and collaboration. The event marked a historic milestone in Kenya’s research landscape, setting a foundation for future growth and development.