Kenyan university leaders and education stakeholders are calling for increased and dedicated funding for research in higher education institutions, warning that chronic underinvestment is stifling the country’s scientific and economic advancement.
At the forefront of the advocacy is the Commission for University Education (CUE), which is pressing the government to allocate a fixed percentage of the national GDP toward university-based research and development (R&D). According to CUE CEO Prof. Mike Kuria, universities remain central to generating the knowledge and innovations that underpin national development, but are often sidelined in budgetary decisions.
“Research is the core business of universities. If we want to see transformative outcomes in agriculture, health, technology, and education, we must fund research at the institutional level—not as an afterthought,” said Prof. Kuria during a visit to Zetech University’s Mang’u campus in Juja, Kiambu County.
Currently, Kenya allocates about 0.8% of its GDP to research, according to the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI)—a figure far below the 2% regional benchmark and well behind developed economies that invest upwards of 3%. With Kenya’s GDP estimated at KSh13.5 trillion in 2022, reaching the 2% threshold would translate to about KSh260 billion for national R&D.
Education leaders argue that channelling even a portion of that amount into universities would revive stalled research projects, improve retention of top scholars, and enhance Kenya’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy.
Zetech University Vice Chancellor Prof. Njenga Munene echoed the call, warning that without sustained investment, universities cannot meaningfully contribute to solving national challenges.
“Research isn't just academic—it’s where real-world solutions are found. Be it food security, public health, or digital infrastructure, research provides the foundation. But for that to happen, we need reliable funding, proper infrastructure, and timely disbursement,” Prof. Munene noted.
The call comes amid discussions over reforms within the National Research Fund (NRF), which is proposing legislative changes to secure more predictable financing for research institutions.
Beyond monetary concerns, stakeholders are advocating for systemic changes that prioritise research in national budgeting and policy frameworks. Many locally generated research proposals are shelved due to limited funding, while foreign donors often shape Kenya’s research agenda, raising concerns over ownership and relevance.
“Relying heavily on external sources for our research agenda compromises local ownership of innovation. With dedicated local funding, our universities can define and pursue homegrown solutions tailored to our challenges,” Prof. Kuria emphasised.
The push for enhanced funding is aligned with Kenya’s broader ambitions under Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Experts warn that without treating research as a strategic investment, Kenya risks lagging in an increasingly innovation-driven global economy.
Article by Jed Mwangi
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