MPs Push for Increased Research Funding Amid Budget Constraints

Members of the National Assembly Committee on Education have called for increased funding to the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, warning that Kenya’s development agenda could stall without stronger investment in research.

Appearing before the committee, Principal Secretary Shaukat Abdulrazak revealed that the department is grappling with severe financial challenges, including a lack of office space and operational resources.

Committee Chairperson Julius Melly emphasized the importance of research in national development, stating that economic growth and job creation depend on informed, evidence-based decisions. He cautioned that without proper investment, the country risks “shooting in the dark.”

The department has requested an additional KSh 1.9 billion in supplementary funding. A portion of this—about KSh 100 million—would go toward securing office space and improving working conditions for staff.

Prof. Abdulrazak noted that the department has been relying heavily on external partners to fund key programmes, a model he described as unsustainable. He urged Parliament to prioritize domestic investment in research.

Lawmakers expressed concern over the disparity between the ministry’s overall budget and the allocation to research. While the ministry receives approximately KSh 767 billion, only about KSh 1.4 billion is directed toward research and innovation.

MPs including Dick Maungu and Joshua Makilap described the department as underfunded and stressed the need to strengthen innovation to support economic growth.

Nabii Nabwera argued that Kenya must match its ambitions with financial commitment, suggesting that allocating just one percent of the national budget could significantly improve the department’s operations.

The PS further indicated that fully developing Kenya’s research ecosystem would require up to KSh 30 billion, and ideally between one and two percent of GDP—estimated at between KSh 154 billion and KSh 311 billion.

Abdul Haro reminded legislators of their responsibility in budget allocation, noting that Parliament holds ultimate control over public spending.

Concerns were also raised about weak collaboration between academic institutions and industry. Peter Orero highlighted the need to strengthen research as a core pillar of higher education.

The committee is expected to issue recommendations aimed at boosting funding and improving coordination within the research sector, as lawmakers increasingly view science, technology, and innovation as key drivers of Kenya’

s economic transformation.