NAIROBI, Kenya –In a move signaling Kenya’s renewed focus on research and innovation, President William Ruto has created a new State Department for Science, Research, and Innovation within the Ministry of Education.
Tasked with steering this department is Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat, a seasoned scientist and academic leader with extensive experience in technology and policy development.
The new department, carved out from the State Department for Higher Education, underscores the government’s commitment to transforming Kenyan universities into research hubs.
This also means the Education Ministry, led by Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, will now have three Principal Secretaries.
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A Heavyweight Appointment: Who Is Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat?
Prof. Shaukat is no stranger to the science and innovation landscape. Currently serving as the Director for Africa at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), he brings over three decades of experience in academia, research, and policy advisory roles.
His career spans leadership positions in some of Kenya’s top scientific institutions, including:
✅ CEO, Kenya National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation (2008-2014)
✅ Vice-Chancellor, Umma University
✅ Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Egerton University
✅ Chair, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute
✅ Board Member, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)
A globally recognized scholar, Shaukat is a Fellow of the World Academy of Sciences and the African Academy of Sciences.
His academic journey started at Egerton University, before earning an MSc and PhD in Agricultural Sciences from the University of Aberdeen (UK) and completing a postdoctoral fellowship in Japan.
Why Now? Ruto’s Grand Plan for Innovation
The creation of this new department comes just days after Ruto hinted at it while awarding a charter to Riara University.
He emphasized the need for dedicated research and innovation policies to ensure Kenya remains competitive in the global knowledge economy.
“I am seriously considering a State Department to deal specifically with research, development, and innovation as a way of ensuring that we grow that space because of the tremendous opportunity that exists in innovation and research,” Ruto stated.
The government aims to position universities as centers for cutting-edge research and technological advancements, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
The new department will play a key role in shaping Kenya’s policies on science, technology, and innovation (STI) while fostering collaborations with global research institutions.
Reshuffling the Education Ministry
With this change, the Education Ministry now has three key departments:
1️⃣ Basic Education – Led by Julius Bitok, who moves from Immigration after swapping roles with Belio Kipsang.
2️⃣ Higher Education – Still under Beatrice Inyangala.
3️⃣ Science, Research & Innovation – Headed by Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat.
This restructuring is expected to streamline policy implementation, ensuring that Kenya’s education sector aligns with global technological trends and supports the country’s Vision 2030 development goals.
