The National Assembly Committee on Education has conducted approval hearings for Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat, nominated for the position of Principal Secretary for the State Department for Science, Research, and Innovation in the Ministry of Education. During the session, members of the committee sought to understand Prof. Shaukat’s vision for strengthening Kenya's research and innovation landscape, particularly in alignment with the country’s Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Committee Chairperson, Hon. Julius Melly, emphasized the critical role of the State Department in realizing Kenya’s development goals. "Science, research, and innovation are critical enablers of development. This state department must lead the charge in steering Kenya into a knowledge-driven economy," said Hon. Melly.
The committee probed Prof. Shaukat on his plans to boost research funding and innovation in the country, noting that currently, only 0.8% of Kenya’s national budget is allocated to research. Hon. Abdul Haro inquired about the nominee's strategies to increase this allocation and attract investment into the sector.
Prof. Shaukat responded by stressing the importance of creating structured regulatory frameworks to facilitate public-private partnerships and attract venture capital. He highlighted his previous work at NACOSTI, where he led the development of frameworks supporting scientific research funding.
On the topic of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, Hon. Rebecca Tonkei raised concerns about the potential impact of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) on the teaching of maths and science. Prof. Shaukat reiterated the importance of nurturing STEM talent from an early age. "We will not have innovators, entrepreneurs, and scientists if that talent is not nurtured from the very beginning," he said, underscoring the need for sufficient, well-trained STEM educators.
Hon. Shaukat also addressed questions on the legal frameworks supporting science and innovation, acknowledging that while policy formulation has progressed, its implementation has been hindered by inadequate legislation and resource allocation. He committed to working closely with lawmakers to draft necessary amendments and new legislation to stimulate innovation.
The nominee also responded to queries on the impact of research and innovation on Kenya's agricultural sector. Hon. Mary Emaase asked how science could address challenges in food security. Prof. Shaukat referred to his work in establishing the National Biosafety Authority and his involvement in promoting gene-enhancement and climate-smart agriculture technologies as examples of how innovation can improve food production.
Another significant concern raised during the session was the ongoing brain drain in the research and innovation sector. Hon. Emaase questioned how Prof. Shaukat would ensure the retention of top scientific talent in Kenya. In his response, Prof. Shaukat emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment for researchers, including structured funding, mentorship programs, and a professionalized science community.
Committee members also highlighted the importance of ensuring that universities benefit directly from research funding. Prof. Shaukat pledged to reform the research funding system to ensure equitable access for institutions, promising that universities would be held accountable for the use of funds and their impact.
Prof. Shaukat, who currently serves as the Director for Africa at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, brings over 30 years of experience in academia, international development, and public service. His previous roles include serving as Vice Chancellor of Umma University and CEO of the National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation (NACOSTI). He holds a PhD in Applied Sciences from the University of Aberdeen, UK, and has completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Shimane University in Japan.
The Committee on Education is expected to prepare its report on Prof. Shaukat’s nomination for consideration by the National Assembly. If approved, he will be tasked with leading Kenya’s efforts in advancing science, research, and innovation to support national development.
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