PS Dokota Calls for Action-Oriented Innovation at Egerton Conference

The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Idris Salim Dokota, PhD, CBS, has called for a bold shift from theory to action, urging stakeholders across academia, government, and industry to embrace practical, results driven innovation in tackling pressing global challenges.

Speaking during the 16th Biennial International Conference at Egerton University, Dr. Dokota emphasized the urgency of translating research into tangible, people-centered solutions that directly improve livelihoods and strengthen resilience. He noted that scientific knowledge must extend beyond lecture halls and laboratories to deliver measurable impact in critical sectors such as agriculture, climate resilience, healthcare, and emerging technologies.

Dr. Dokota stressed that innovation must be inclusive, responsive, and firmly grounded in action. He highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders to ensure that ideas are effectively transformed into real-world solutions that benefit communities and drive sustainable development.

The conference, held under the theme “Empowering Change: Advancing Sustainable, Inclusive, and Resilient Global Societies through Agriculture, Education, Science, Technology and Innovation,” brought together a diverse mix of global thought leaders, researchers, policymakers, and innovators. The forum provided a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices aimed at addressing complex development challenges.

The conference which was graced by Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary for Science, Research and Innovation, who reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to leveraging science, research, and innovation as key drivers of national transformation. He underscored the importance of strengthening linkages between research institutions and public policy to ensure that decision-making is firmly anchored in evidence.

Prof. Abdulrazak further called for the development of robust and inclusive innovation ecosystems, noting that coordinated and cross-sectoral approaches are essential in responding to increasingly complex and interconnected global challenges. He emphasized that sustained investment in research and innovation infrastructure will be critical in unlocking new opportunities for growth and development.

Dr. Dokota commended the creativity and ingenuity of young researchers and innovators, describing them as central to shaping a resilient and future-ready society. He emphasized the need to invest in human capital, mentorship, and innovation ecosystems to nurture talent and accelerate the translation of ideas into impactful solutions.

As the conference progressed, discussions moved beyond identifying challenges to focusing on scalable, solution-oriented interventions. Key areas of focus included climate-smart agriculture, technology-driven education, and the strengthening of resilient health systems to better respond to current and future needs.

Dr. Dokota underscored that the conference should serve as a catalyst for sustained action. He urged stakeholders to deepen partnerships, prioritize innovation, and invest in knowledge systems that will drive sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Kenya and beyond.

The conference reaffirmed the critical role of collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based approaches in addressing global challenges. It also highlighted the importance of moving from dialogue to implementation in order to achieve meaningful and lasting impact in communities.