President Ruto promises support for innovation and youth empowerment

By Robert Mutasi

President William Ruto said his administration is committed to leveraging technology and innovation as some of the drivers of economic growth and social transformation in Kenya.

While addressing the residents of Kisumu on Wednesday, November 27,2024, the President outlined the government's ambitious plans to create opportunities, reduce inequality, and empower the youth through targeted investments in innovation.

President Ruto announced this, scaling up government funding for start-ups through the creation of a KSh1 billion Startup Fund.

This is set to become a cornerstone for Kenya's 10-Year Innovation Masterplan, a broader strategy through which the government seeks to position the nation as a global innovation leader.

It looks to create fertile ground for entrepreneurship, a place to grow talent and ensure that everybody benefits from technology changes.

"Our vision is to use technology and innovation to unlock opportunity and address inequality," said President Ruto. "By investing in the creative potential of our youth and scaling up support for start-ups, we are ensuring that Kenya remains at the forefront of global innovation."

The President also spoke to the on-going Kenya Innovation Week in Nairobi, the fourth in a line of showcasing the country's achievement and potential in tech and innovation fields.

He applauded the event for amassing actors from government, academia, and the private sector in one place to share experiences and look for solutions that would solve current challenges.

In a strategic move to enhance coordination and add more impetus to innovation policy, President Ruto ordered that the Kenya Innovation Agency, KENIA, be moved to the Office of the President.

The reorganization is expected to streamline efforts across various government agencies and reinforce the country's commitment to harnessing innovation for national development.

"In incorporating KENIA into the Office of the President, we are ensuring that innovation remains a key agenda for the nation," Ruto emphasized.