The Kenyan government is exploring the establishment of a Startup Advisory Board to strengthen science parks and innovation ecosystems, according to Cabinet Secretary for ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs Joe Mucheru. The proposal emerged during the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) Africa Division Conference at Konza Technopolis in May 2022.
Mucheru emphasized the need for specialized oversight to nurture startups, stating, "We need a Startup Advisory Board that can handhold our startups to develop them." He highlighted the board's role in connecting innovators with industry partners to accelerate digital economy growth.
The two-day hybrid conference, themed "Science Technology Parks & Areas of Innovations as Catalysts for Sustainable Growth in Africa," featured discussions on collaboration between public and private sectors. Mucheru noted partnerships with entities like Huawei Technologies, which has trained over 20,000 students in innovation programs.
Other speakers, including Dr. Sara Ruto and Maureen Mbaka, underscored the importance of initiatives like the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and programs targeting young women in STEM. IASP Africa President John Tanui praised the event's role in advancing Africa's knowledge economy through innovation hubs.
