NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has climbed five places in the 2026 Global Innovation Index (GII), moving from position 102 in 2025 to 97th globally.
The Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) said Wednesday, September 30, that the improvement reflects efforts to strengthen coordination across the country’s innovation ecosystem.
According to KeNIA, the establishment of a multi-agency Global Innovation Index Steering Committee has helped bring institutions together to align data, policy and action on innovation.
“We celebrate this progress and the collective effort of Kenya’s innovation ecosystem,” KeNIA said.
The agency also pointed to Kenya’s engagement with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) as part of efforts to deepen cooperation on intellectual property and innovation commercialisation.
KeNIA cited the visit and engagements of WIPO Director General Daren Tang, including his meeting with President William Ruto and participation in the Kenya Startup Festival.
“These intentional steps are building the partnerships and coordination needed to advance Kenya’s innovation ambitions,” the agency said.
Kenya Targets Top 50
Despite the improvement, KeNIA said the latest ranking highlights the need for further investment and collaboration if Kenya is to achieve its longer-term innovation goals.
The agency said it wants Kenya to become one of the world’s top 50 innovation economies.
“As we celebrate this improvement, we know there’s still significant work ahead. Our ambition is to position Kenya among the world’s top 50 innovation economies,” KeNIA said.
The agency identified sustained investment in research, stronger links between universities and industry, increased support for innovators and improved national data as key areas requiring attention.
“Achieving this requires sustained investment in research, stronger links between academia and industry, greater support for innovators and reliable data that captures our national progress,” KeNIA said.
