Friday, 4 April, 2025
Education Committee vets Nominee for PS, State Department on Science, Research and Innovation ๐๐๐ซ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐ ๐ซ๐ข๐๐๐ฒ, ๐๐ฉ๐ซ๐ข๐ฅ ๐๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐๐
The National Assembly Committee on Education has conducted approval hearings for Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat, nominated for appointment as the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Science, Research, and Innovation in the Ministry of Education.
Members of Parliament sought to understand Prof. Shaukatโs vision and strategy to strengthen the countryโs research and innovation landscape.
Committee Chairperson, Hon. Julius Melly, underscores the importance of the position in actualizing the goals of Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
"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.
Hon. Abdul Haro questioned the nominee on practical strategies to boost research and innovation, noting that currently only 0.8% of the national budget is allocated to research.
"What are some of the things you would do to boost innovation and research in this country?" asked Hon. Haro.
In response, Prof. Shaukat emphasized the need for structured regulatory frameworks to attract investment and create enabling environments for public-private partnerships.
"There are draft policies already in place. What we need are clear regulations to attract private sector funding, venture capitalists, and development partners," Prof. Shaukat explained. "When I served at NACOSTI, I led the development of frameworks that supported scientific research and innovation funding," he added.
Speaking on importance of learning STEM subjects, Hon. Rebecca Tonkei asked, "What initiatives will you introduce to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education at all levels to build a robust pipeline of future scientists and innovators?โ"
She added," We are currently imeplemnating the CBC model that has different paths including proposals to stop teaching maths and science at some of the education levels. What are your thoughts?'
Prof Shaukat emphasized the importance of learning maths and science subjects at all levels. He said, "
We will not have innovators, enterprenuers and scientists if that talent is not nurtured from the very beginning. I believe learning science and maths is critical and having enough teachers with the capacity to teach STEM subjects in our schools is important."
On legal frameworks to support science and innovation, Prof. Shaukat pointed out that while policy formulation has made progress, implementation has lagged due to inadequate legislation and resource allocation. He committed to working closely with lawmakers to draft necessary amendments and new legislation to stimulate innovation.
In a pointed question, Hon. Joshua Makilap asked the nominee to cite a single innovation that has transformed lives.
"Tell this Committee one innovation or research that has changed the lives of people or animals," posed Hon. Makilap, who also raised concerns about limited access to research funding in universities.
Prof. Shaukat highlighted his contribution to agricultural innovation during his time at the National Commission for Science.
"I spearheaded a project that boosted milk production in dairy cows by improving nutrition using legumes. It had a direct impact on livelihoods," he noted.
On food security, Hon. Mary Emaase queried how the nominee would use science to address challenges in agriculture.
"We are facing critical issues in agriculture and food security. What will you do as PS to resolve this?" she asked. Hon. Dick Maungu also sought the nominees opinion on Genetically Modified seeds and other products.
Prof. Shaukat pointed to his involvement in establishing the National Biosafety Authority, which paved the way for gene-enhancement and climate-smart agriculture technologies.
"We can leverage science and innovation to implement legal, sustainable solutions in agriculture. Our technologies must be embraced under existing laws to improve food production," he said.
Committee Members also raised concerns over the ongoing brain drain in the research and innovation sector. Hon. Emaase pressed the nominee on how he plans to retain top talent.
"We are losing our best scientists and innovators. What kind of environment will you foster to retain them?" she asked.
Prof. Shaukat responded that a structured system for research funding, mentorship, and recognition of scientific work is essential.
"We need to professionalize science. Create spaces where researchers feel valued and supported. We must build a system that rewards innovation and retains talent," he said.
Committee Vice Chair, Hon. Eve Obara and Hon. Phylis Bartoo also called for measures to ensure universities benefit directly from research funding.
"Research can be a significant source of income, yet itโs not reaching our universities. What will you do?" asked Hon. Obara."How do you intend to shape the State Department to meet its mandate?" added Hon. Bartoo.
Prof. Shaukat promised to initiate reforms to ensure equitable access to research funds and institutional accountability in grant management.
"We will establish a clear roadmap with deliverables. Institutions must account for funding and demonstrate impact," he stated.
Prof. Shaukat has over 30 years of experience in academia, international development, and public service. He currently serves as the Director for Africa at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna.
His previous roles include serving as the Vice Chancellor of Umma University and CEO of NACOSTI. He has also held senior academic positions at Egerton University, including Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension.
Prof. Shaukat holds a PhD and MSc in Applied Sciences from the University of Aberdeen, UK, and a Postdoctoral Fellowship from Shimane University in Japan.
The Committee on Education is expected prepare and table its report before the National Assembly for consideration and approval.