Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) Vice Chairperson Cyprian Ombati has criticized the government for failing to fulfill its commitment to adequately fund research and innovation in Kenyan universities.
Speaking during an interview on Radio Generation, Ombati said that while universities continue to carry out research, inadequate financial support from the government remains a major obstacle to meaningful progress.
“Yes, universities are carrying out research,” he said. “The only problem that we have is when you look at the input from government, which is supposed to propel universities to carry out research in a proper way, is wanting in terms of funding.”
Ombati explained that despite the government’s promise to allocate 2 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to research, innovation, and related activities, the target has never been achieved.
He pointed out that such an allocation, if implemented, would significantly boost the country’s knowledge economy and empower university lecturers to contribute more effectively to national development.
“For example,” he said, “the government of Kenya says that they will put 2% of GDP in matters to do with research and innovation and primarily that’s where universities are. If you look at our GDP, 2% could be close to Sh250 billion in a year. But I want to tell you, Kenya has never reached near that amount of money in terms of funding to universities, even through the National Research Fund.”
The UASU vice chairperson emphasized that consistent and sufficient funding is critical for universities to drive innovation, conduct impactful research, and compete globally.
He argued that the government’s underfunding of the sector has limited the ability of academic staff to produce groundbreaking work and respond to national challenges through research.
“If that level of funding is put up, then you will find that university lecturers will be able to engage even more in research,” Ombati added.
His remarks come amid growing concern from higher education stakeholders over the shrinking research budgets and delayed disbursements to universities.
Many have warned that unless Kenya prioritizes funding for innovation and scientific inquiry, the country risks falling behind in technological advancement and economic competitiveness.
Ombati urged the government to honor its 2 percent GDP commitment, noting that sustainable investment in research is essential for Kenya’s long-term growth and the realization of its Vision 2030 goals.
The National Research Fund was established in 2013 under the Science, Technology, and Innovation ST&I Act, becoming operational in 2015 to facilitate research for the advancement of science, technology, and innovation to drive sustainable national development.
It does this by mobilizing and managing financial resources for research and creating a national innovation system.
The ST&I Act stipulates that the government should commit to 2% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually, along with other funds from Parliament, donations, or grants.
