BY NJOKI KARANJA
In a landmark move, the East African Community (EAC) has unveiled plans for a transformative Science and Technology Innovation (STI) conference aimed at driving sustainable socio-economic development in the region. Aligned with the EAC Vision 2050, which recognizes STI as a key catalyst for progress, the conference will focus on four critical thematic areas: Agricultural Productivity, Resilience and Food Security; Health and Nutrition; Natural Resources Management; and Information Communication Technology and Digital Economy.
Papers submitted for the conference undergo a rigorous peer-review process, with accepted works set to be published in the prestigious East African Journal of Science, Technology, and Innovation (EAJSTI). This initiative aims to enhance the dissemination of valuable research findings, ultimately boosting regional visibility and competitiveness.
Prof. Walter O. Oyawa, Director General of the National Commission for Science, Technology & Innovation (NACOSTI) representing the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education, Kenya Hon. Ezekiel Machogu at the official opening of the 3rd EAC Regional STI Conference today in Nairobi.
The conference was opened by the Director General of the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), Dr Walter Oyawa, on behalf of Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Education Ezekiel Machogu. Other notable dignitaries present included the Executive Secretaries of IUCEA and EASTECO, Prof Gaspard Banyankimbona and Dr Sylvance Okoth, respectively, and donor
Dr. Sylavance Okoth, Executive Secretary, EASTECO at the 3rd EAC Regional STI Conference in Nairobi. Under the auspices of the East African Community (EAC), the conference is being held in collaboration with various STI stakeholders in the region and globally.
Recognizing existing challenges such as fragmented collaboration and underutilized research, the conference strives to bridge gaps by fostering networking relations among researchers, technology developers, and innovators. It further seeks to establish a collaborative platform for stakeholders to collectively set agendas and priorities, promoting effective linkages between academia, industry, and the public sector. The conference’s overarching goal is to enhance capacity and create meaningful partnerships, providing a catalyst for the much-needed advancement of research, extension services, teaching, and learning in the East African region.