Nairobi, Banjul to enhance research through international cooperation – KBC

Kenya and Gambia Governments intend to strengthen collaboration between the two countries in Education and Research. 

Speaking during a courtesy call paid by the Gambia Ambassador to Kenya Jainaba Jagne, the Principal Secretary State Department for University Education and Research Amb. Simon Nabukwesi said Kenya has broad areas in its education sector and is willing to expand relations with other countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe in order to explore areas of collaboration, especially in research.

The PS said plans are on course for Kenya to host the National Innovation week later this year adding that the exhibition will provide an opportunity for researchers from Kenya and other countries to showcase research and innovations which they have developed as well as support each other in finding solutions to common problems which affect African Nations.

“The National Research Fund (NRF) is allocated four (4) percent of the Government’s annual budget to support research and currently NRF is conduction research on cancer and covid-19, we will therefore invite participants from other countries to attend the exhibition so that we work together to fight the common problems of poverty, disease, and hunger which affect Africa,” said the PS.

Amb. Nabukwesi also noted that the Covid-19 pandemic which had disrupted learning in institutions the better part of last year has enabled universities to strengthen their e-learning capabilities by promoting virtual platforms thus ensuring continuous learning.

The PS further disclosed that Kenyan universities are willing to engage sabbatical lecturers and have exchange programs with a view to interacting with experts especially in the areas of health, agriculture, housing, and manufacturing sectors which fall under the Government’s big four agenda.

On her part, the Gambian Amb. to Kenya Jainba Jagne said institutions from the Gambia are keen to come and benchmark in Kenya to find ways of improving their higher education institutions and research organizations.

She disclosed that the Gambia is in the process of developing a research policy and that the West African country is eager to learn from Kenya. She further welcomed the proposal of strengthening relations between the two countries saying it would particularly promote trade.