The State Department for Science, Research and Innovation (SDSRI) will host the inaugural Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Society (STRI4Society) Week 2026 from 18th to 22nd May 2026 in Kenya.

Coordinated under the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, the flagship initiative will serve as a vibrant national platform showcasing Kenya’s scientific excellence, research achievements, technological innovations, and real-world impact solutions.

Anchored in the aspirations of Kenya Vision 2030, the Medium-Term Plan IV (MTP IV), and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), STRI4Society Week 2026 seeks to strengthen the role of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in driving sustainable and inclusive national development.

Theme

“Igniting Innovation: Bridging Science and Society for Sustainable Development.”

The theme underscores the transformative power of STI in addressing Kenya’s development priorities and global challenges through collaboration among researchers, policymakers, industry, and communities.

Objectives

The STRI4Society Week 2026 aims to:

• Enhance awareness and appreciation of Science, Research and Innovation (SRI) as drivers of national development;

• Showcase and disseminate scientific and technological innovations by Kenyan researchers, innovators and students;

• Facilitate networking and partnerships among researchers, industry, policymakers and the public;

• Promote STEM education and inspire youth engagement in science and innovation;

• Strengthen dialogue on emerging scientific issues, policy priorities and national development goals; and

• Enhance uptake and commercialization of research outputs and innovations.

Key Activities

The week will feature multiple strategic activities targeted at diverse audiences, including:

• Scientific conferences and policy dialogues;

• Exhibitions and innovation fairs;

• Youth and schools’ competitions;

• Science quizzes, hackathons and robotics challenges;

• Industry and academia roundtable engagements;

• STEM career clinics and mentorship booths;

• Africa science collaboration forums; and

• Innovation pitch sessions for young innovators, researchers and start-ups.

Thematic Areas

The event will focus on several thematic areas, including:

• Science for National Development;

• Digital Futures and Emerging Technologies;

• Youth, STEM Education and Innovation Culture;

• Industry-Academia-Government Synergy;

• Climate Action, Sustainability and Green Technologies;

• Inclusive Innovation and Regional Development; and

• Africa and Global STI Partnerships.

Strategic Partners

STRI4Society Week 2026 will be delivered through collaboration among key national institutions, development partners, private sector actors, and ecosystem enablers, including:

• The State Department for Science, Research and Innovation (SDSRI);

• The National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI);

• The National Research Fund (NRF);

• The Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA);

• Universities and TVET institutions;

• Research institutions;

• Private sector and development partners; and

• County Governments.

The event is expected to strengthen multi-sectoral partnerships, inspire youth participation in STEM, promote commercialization of research outputs, and contribute to Kenya’s national, continental, and global STI agendas.