The National Research Fund Chair, Prof. Ratemo Michieka has asked the Kenyan government to consider increasing funding for research institutions to spur development. While addressing the third Meru University of Science and Technology International Conference, Prof. Michieka urged the country to raise its investment in research to foster national benefits.
Prof. Michieka acknowledged that no other external institution will better support a nation’s research institutions other than the country itself. He also emphasized the importance of developing nations pumping more money into research, in that innovation and development are likely to be fostered. When funding is increased, this might create reasonable employment opportunities through the establishment of large-scale industries which are research and innovation-driven.
The Kenyan government currently allocates two percent of its Gross Domestic Products to research institutions. An increase of this percentage for better output was proposed by Prof. Michieka. He pointed out that developed countries invest significantly more in research, with which high development indices correlate directly.
The themed ‘Science in Service of Climate Action’ was meant to offer a solution on the problems posed by climate change and its effect. Prof. Michieka questions why the floods and climatic variations have to recur, calling for better education and mitigating interventions.
He expressed confidence that the conference was going to offer great insight into how to avoid activities that enhance climate change. He said strategic measures should be called for, such as settling away from rivers and conserving the environment.
Prof. Romanus Odhiambo of Meru University of Science and Technology who is also the Vice-Chancellor, reiterated the necessity of the theme. He cited enough reasons for the recent devastating floods that vosr clarre parts of Kenya experienced to stir scientific discourse on issues of climate change mitigation and resilience. Prof. Odhiambo reiterated the stand by President William Ruto that all Kenyans must be sensitive to issues of climate and the need for countrywide efforts in tree planting.