PREPARING AND ALIGNING GIRLS FOR ICT CAREERS IN A KNOWLEDGE BASED ECONOMY

Economic growth is increasingly driven by knowledge, and no country can remain competitive without applying knowledge. An advance in the Science and Technology base across a wide range of fields, from Information Communication Technology (ICT), to Bio-technology, to science materials, provides potential for countries to accelerate and strengthen their economic and social development. The knowledge economy provides efficient ways to produce goods and services and deliver them more effectively, and at lower costs, to greater number of people.

ICTs constitute another important tool that can help women in many aspects of their lives, by supporting economic empowerment, livelihoods, and access to education. Community ICT centres, for instance, can be an effective vehicle to help women acquire literacy and numeracy skills, learn about reproductive health and financial issues, and become socially and politically active.

ICTs can also improve governance and access to government services, disseminate traditional knowledge, and improve and update traditional products and skills.

For the attainment of a knowledge-based economy, Kenya will require accelerating investment in robust and secure infrastructure. For Kenya to be in this end, there should be development of creative, competitive and sustainable ICT in the country; the creation of employment in the sectors, the sharing of skills across Kenya and collaboration on ICT Innovation initiatives in order to improve the quality of life of women especially young girls, setting the country on a higher trajectory of economic and social development. 

Women are technology developers, producers and users. In many parts of the developing world, women play a key role in food production and household nutrition, working up to 13 hours per day in agriculture-related and food preparation activities, including planting, weeding, harvesting, processing, and cooking. They are often the holders of traditional knowledge, for instance on seeds, production techniques, climate, soil conditions, and seasonal plant cycle calendars. Women, however, do not only rely on using ancient methods and materials: they also experiment and develop new techniques, for example to improve seeds, better manage pests, and conserve food. Their role, however, is often not formally recognized.

Access to technology is a key to improving women’s and girls’ lives. Technologies, while designed for a primary goal, often have benefits that extend to many other aspects of a person’s life. For example, easier access to safe water both improves health and sanitation, and reduces women’s and girls’ work burden, therefore freeing up time for other activities. Solar energy can transform a community by, among others, preventing eye strain, providing light for children to study by, and allowing longer storage of food.

To  better  respond  to  the  needs  of  women, it  is  important  to  integrate  users’ concerns in the technology development process, by making research and development more participatory and user-driven.

Globalization  and  trade  are  other  issues  that  impact  on  women’s  access  to technology and technology-related work. They can provide opportunities for women,  for  instance  by  creating  work  in  the  service  sector,  call  centres, electronics manufacturing, and by opening new markets for women. However, they can also exacerbate existing inequalities by disrupting women’s work and profit margins in certain sectors, such as agriculture.

Systematically include gender analysis, and consult with women on design, use and deployment of technologies that support women’s needs in all tasks they undertake.

Undertake gendered situational analysis/assessment and gender analysis of programming and implementation for all science, technology and innovation (STI)-related actions, policies and programmes.

Review and assess existing technologies, practices and models for lessons learned and replication or scaling up to the national level.

Ensure women’s and men’s participation in all decision-making bodies as well as in the design, planning and implementation of STI programmes and policy.

Harness   women’s   knowledge   networks   and   information   channels   to disseminate technologies.

Promote  women’s  and  girls’  use  of  ICTs,  and  in  particular  of  social networking tools and applications, as a tool to access and share information, including in the context of emergency situations.

Ensure that women have access to government services and information, including government-issued licenses, certificates and permits, through web portals, mobile services, and mixed technologies.

Train women in using and maintaining ICTs, as well as developing content, applications and software, including free and open source software.

Promote the development of content that speaks to women’s interests, responsibilities and activities, and ensure its accessibility, including through the use of local languages and audio-visual materials.

Women’s participation in entrepreneurship and innovation is key to job-creation, wealth-generation and national economic growth. The participation of women in the establishment, management and leadership of medium and large-scale enterprises, including technology-related companies, is an important factor for national innovation.

MAXIMIZING GEOTHERMAL ENERGY DEVELOPMENT WILL FASTRACK VISION 2030

Energy is a key driver of socioeconomic development. The country’s development blue print identifies energy as one of the foundations needed to drive industrialization.  

Energy drives key sectors of the economy including industries, transport, mining and agriculture. These sectors are adversely affected by the prevalent unreliable power sources and there is need to assure affordable, reliable and adequate energy for sustainable development. Another concern is environmentally friendly energy sources to mitigate the threat of CO₂ pollution.

For a long time, the country has been dependent on fossil fuels whose prices keep soaring, more so in the recent past, subsequently increasing the cost of production which results in high prices of commodities making lives almost unbearable for the common mwananchi.

Kenya’s current power generation is 1,533 MW, 13% of this is from geothermal. Hydropower contributes almost half of the country’s energy needs but is vulnerable to unpredictable weather conditions arising from the global climate change.

The demand for power is ever rising and it is predicted to reach up to 15,000 MW by 2030, this will require a capacity of 17,500MW to meet the demand. Out of a potential of 7,000MW, only about 198 MW of geothermal energy has been utilized for power generation.  Under the Least Cost Power Development Plan, the country expects to generate up to 5,000MW geothermal energy and achieve 100% rural electrification by 2030.

Geothermal energy is reliable and unlike other renewable energy sources like solar and wind, it is not anchored on the weather. Geothermal is one of the most economical electricity generation options; the annualized cost of electricity for geothermal is lower than of other alternatives.  This form of energy also has a high utilization (about 95%) and conversion rate of up to 90% as compared to other renewable energy sources.

By promoting the development of geothermal energy, the country will reduce its overreliance of fossil fuels and hydropower, as well as benefit by earning carbon credits through reducing green house gas emissions common from fossil fuels based energy sources. Geothermal energy can be used in green house heating, electricity sources in aquaculture and in industries.

The International Geothermal Association reports increased installation capacity of geothermal energy over the past 5 years. It is encouraging to note that Kenya is leading in a project by the World Bank to scale up renewable energy programs in low income countries and that a 400MW geothermal power projection is one of the projects earmarked for implementation. This is purported to be Africa’s biggest geothermal power project so far.

Just last month, a new 280 MW geothermal project was commissioned by the President at Olkaria power station to increase the capacity of this geothermal site to 430 MW. This are steps in the right direction since geothermal energy development would overly enhance the attainment of energy goals set out in Vision 2030.

Kenya’s Rift valley region offers suitable site for exploration owing to its historic volcanic activity and makes it possible to extract trapped heat to generate electricity. There are about 14 potential geothermal sites along the Kenyan Rift Valley with an estimated potential of more than 15,000 MW as indicated by the Geothermal Development Company.  Other locations in Nyanza and the Coast are also been explored.

The global trend is towards cheaper and cleaner energy sources and we must adopt better technologies used by other countries. I believe we can learn a lot from a country like Egypt which has a total installed renewable energy capacity of 3,417 MW and ranked first in Africa by the International Energy Association.   There is also need for research into more cost effective means of exploration to reduce the high risks associated with development of geothermal sites.  Increased investment from private sector and other development partners will likewise advance geothermal development.  Continuous capacity building in geothermal energy production as well as other renewable energy sources is also very important.

Promoting geothermal energy development will also improve energy security and create employment opportunities.  Together with geothermal energy, we also need to promote the development of other renewable energy sources like solar and wind, with emphasis on their viability; for instance solar energy is more viable in the North Eastern region and its use must be promoted. The overarching goal must be to create synergy between the different renewable energy sources for sustainable development of the energy sector and ultimately achieve 100% renewable energy mix.

HARNESSING ST&I FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN LAKE VICTORIA BASIN

This month the Lake Victoria Basin held their 3^rd  conference under the theme Harnessing Research for Sustainable Development of the Lake Victoria Basin. I presented a keynote on Harnessing ST&I for Sustainable Development in Lake Victoria Basin. Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) are recognized globally as key driver of economic development. Technological innovation is key in turning scientific and technological knowledge into goods and services to boost economic development. There is need to integrate ST&I in production and service sectors.

I advocate for effective system for innovation, technology adoption, diffusion and transfer for use of ST&I as a tool for national development and international competitiveness.

The East African Community (EAC) must harnesses science, technology and innovation, these nations will be at a greater position to foster national prosperity and global competitiveness. This will therefore boost creation of wealth creation and achievement of a high quality of life for its people within its boundaries.

For example, ST&I have made our lives easier through the use of medical supplies and other things, such as cellphones. We are also reaping the benefits of computers right now by finding the answer to our question. A science such as seismology (the study of earthquakes) has helped us to know when an earthquake is coming and where would be a safe place to escape to. It can also help to build more earthquake-resistant buildings by studying how the waves move and how to counteract them to avoid destruction. There is also need to identify and subsequently review research and innovation priority areas for the benefit of the region.

Strategies that should be enforced includes Public Private Partnerships. This will give a variation of Privatization in which elements of a service previously run solely by the public sector are provided through a partnership between the government and one or more private sector companies. Enough resources should be allocated to ST&I sector. I have been advocating for not less than 1% of GDP.

Climate change, biodiversity loss of freshwater ecosystems, invasion by Hyacinth, diseases & malnutrition, human resource capacity and weak national innovation systems are some of the major challenges that the Lake Victoria Basin is facing.

To curb these challenges, a number of strategies have been put into place which includes; developing explicit national innovation policies and investment frameworks in R&D, increasing and sustaining funding on ST&I for competitiveness, setting up centers of excellence to strengthen R&D capacity, increasing investment in science, engineering and entrepreneur skills and Capacity building.

Within the Lake Victoria Basin, there is need for utilizing new technologies such as remote-sensing and satellite technology to monitor and manage water resources. Low cost technologies for water delivery can also be implemented and an adverse investment in Human resources development by the EAC.

There is need of enhancing Multi-stakeholders initiatives to deliver programs and services in the region. Building trust and confidence in capability and capacities to provide long-lasting benefits to the local community both from social perspective and from economic development angle

It is also important to establish more learning and dialogue platforms for communication and outreach impact. Above all continuous dialogue between Scientists and Policy makers must be initiated.

Moreover, recognized institutional frameworks for diverse actors and stakeholders engaged in pursuit of sustainable development in finance, trade, technology transfer, as mutually agreed

SPACE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND ITS IMPACT

 TO SOCIETY

Science has gained national importance because of its pivotal role in the social and economic development of the society. Among the many sciences of importance is space science and its associated technologies. Although space science is as old as history itself, it has nevertheless remained one of the most mystifying sciences to the common man. In his quest to understand space and heavenly bodies within it, man has sent rockets to the moon and finally he has stationed satellites in space.

The exponential growth of scientific knowledge and continuing developments in technology are transforming society. Our lives and future depend profoundly on our understanding of planet Earth. Space technology enables us to observe possible threats to life on Earth and has tools at hand to help inhibit them. Knowledge about space, gained through scientific studies can have enormous economic and social benefits that contribute to meeting many societal needs, from human security to sustainable development.

Space Science and Technology has been applied globally for the benefit of society in areas such as communications, meteorology, surveys and mapping, as well as exploitation and management of the natural resources. Today all parts of the world are being united by communication satellites while space based sensor systems are continually monitoring the globe.  These technologies are providing the support needed for the development activities.

The application of space science worldwide has rapidly improved the procedures employed in land resources and environmental management. Through remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS), it is possible to observe the earth's surface from space crafts and conduct computer analysis of large volumes of data. Satellite observations under Global Positioning System (GPS) have greatly improved the process of obtaining point positions and establishing survey control points and networks. Telecommunication and broadcast services have improved tremendously due to the construction of space communication satellites and satellite earth stations. In-depth analysis of satellite imagery data continues to provide more accurate weather forecasts while at the same time, contributing significantly in military surveillance. Satellite information is also widely used in the monitoring and evaluation of natural resources.

Space technology plays a very important role in surveying and mapping. The use of space technology enhances the process of data access for efficient planning and decision making purposes. The technology includes, among others: the GPS for determination of positions of points on the Earth; photogrammetry for the preparation of photographic images and maps and remote sensing for production of special imagery applicable in mapping, land use planning as well as environmental monitoring and protection. Space techniques currently provide relatively better accuracies than the traditional ground-based methods.

It is therefore important to apply space techniques for sustainable development. Furthermore,  long-term commitments and investments towards the development of skills and knowledge as well as the required infrastructure in Earth observation and related disciplines are to be put in place.

At the same time, the global perspective of the Earth's environment has fostered the development of a number of space-based remote sensing techniques for Earth observation. Both global and repetitive observations are needed to resolve the broad range of space and time scales involved in monitoring and preservation of the environment. Earth observation from space may be the only viable and cost-effective means of acquiring much of the necessary input data for climate and for monitoring the Earth's surface conditions on local, regional and global bases. A series of Earth Observation Satellites such as Landsat, SPOT, ERS-1, have been launched to support several missions covering the study of the Earth's resources and environment, among others.

The successful bidding for the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) by South Africa, puts Africa on the frontline of radio astronomy making it possible to collect radio waves from space. Unlike conventional optical instruments, radio telescopes can work in bad weather and are less troubled by cosmic dust. Kenya is a participant in the SKA project.

Moreover, Italy and Kenya are in co-operation in the San Marco project in Malindi. The project was established in Kenya in 1962 as a result of a bilateral agreement between the University of Nairobi and the University of Rome which is designed to be a space center. This facility will carry out international satellite telemetry support from ground station which also provides logistic support facilities for two satellite launching, tracking and control platforms. Therefore, the aim of this project was to lay foundation for the involvement in space research and technology.  I must say little has been achieved so far.

While several countries have made big steps forward on space science, Kenya is still crumpling with challenges of co-ordination, capacity building among others. The National Council for Science and Technology has prepared a draft Bill and Policy towards setting up of space science agency. It is prudent that all stakeholders participate so that we can realize the enormous benefits and positive impact of space science.

Here with the DG, IAEA Yukio Amano; the Minister MoHEST Hon. Prof. Margaret Kamar, Assistant Minister Hon. Asman Kamama and the Kenya delegation during the IAEA general conference in Vienna.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

Science, technology and innovation will play a key role as Kenya aspires to become a globally competitive and prosperous nation as envisioned in the Vision 2030. Vision 2030 is a vehicle for accelerating transformation of the country into a rapidly industrialising middle-income nation with a sustained economic growth of 10 per cent per annum by the year 2030.
There is an urgent need for the government to create an enabling environment through the formulation of policies that promote the use of science and technology, integrating the science policy into our nation’s development agenda and ensuring that adequate funding for the implementation of the science and technology plan is available.
It is important to have a national research agenda and prioritise to avoid duplication and maximize our resources. Universities and research institutions must stop doing research for the sake of academic progress. They need to research on ways of addressing food insecurity, unemployment, diseases, illiteracy and poverty.
Greater efforts should be geared towards encouraging young Kenyans to pursue science and engineering courses. This can be achieved by demystifying science education and by creating suitable employment opportunities for them.
Currently we are doing about 200 PhDs per year while in my opinion we need to produce not less than 1,000 PhDs. The country has less than a dozen oncologist’s yet about 80,000 new cancer cases are reported annually. What are we doing to mainstream training in fields like oncology for example?
A strong innovation system is also important. Besides, networking and interactions between key players including policymakers, scientists, civil society and the private sector need to be strengthened. Ensuring increased awareness of science and technology will facilitate public understanding and appreciation of their great potential to improve agriculture, nutrition, environment, water, and health for all Kenyans. The media involvement is paramount to widen the public access scientific information that can transform lives.
Promoting the use of existing new technologies such as biotechnology is also key for development. It is also important to utilise the extensive traditional knowledge available among the various Kenyan communities. It is also imperative for us to promote research and application for forecasting, prevention and mitigation of emergencies and natural hazards, particularly, floods, landslides, drought, and epidemics.
Space science technology using geospatial information systems offers an opportunity to improve environmental decision making to disaster warning and relief services and environment monitoring and management. Increasing funding for basic and applied research at higher institutions of learning will increase the country’s pool of skills and talent through training that is relevant to the needs of the economy.
The creation and sustenance of innovative funding mechanisms such as venture capital to fund development of new and innovative products, processes, and systems and support incubations and start-ups will promote entrepreneurship and commercialisation. We should strive to allocate at-least 1 per cent of our GDP to research and development.
Promoting an Intellectual Property Rights regime that maximises the incentives for the generation and protection of intellectual property will also provide a strong, supportive and comprehensive policy environment for speedy and effective domestic commercialisation of inventions and innovations to maximize public good/interest.

CAPACITY BUILDING IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Capacity building is the development of knowledge, skills and attitudes in individuals and groups of people relevant in the design, development and maintenance of institutional and operational infrastructures and processes that are locally meaningful.

Developing countries face the difficult task of finding new models in order to achieve prosperity with scarce resources. With foreign aid drying up as result of the economic downturn, developing countries are harder pushed to find ways to achieve self-sufficiency.

Therefore, capacity building should be encouraged to ensure that citizens enjoy a free and healthy life in a safe environment. Capacity building efforts will have to focus on general improvements in education, health, information, communication and technology, agriculture, forestry and fishing, energy, tourism and all other industries in Kenya.

In particular, since the majority of developing countries tend to be relatively poor in natural resources, developing the educational bases necessary to move local industries into the tertiary sector is very important.

Capacity building for developing countries like Kenya is essential to enable them to participate fully in, and implement effectively their commitments. Capacity building should be a continuous, progressive and iterative process that is participatory, country-driven and consistent with national priorities and circumstances. Hence it is very important to have the right policies and priorities in place to develop creative and innovative capacity to handle the dynamics in the society.

Higher Education institutions contribute to sustainable development by developing critical skills and capacity which has become increasingly important in the global economy.

Moreover, capacity building must equip skills necessary to complete, innovate and respond to local regional and global social economic issues as well as make up for loss of human capital through brain drain.

For capacity building to be fully achieved there is need to strengthen infrastructure development, increase the number of universities and e-learning, encourages partnerships, link universities to productive sectors of economy, full participation and support for key stakeholders and increased number of collaboration. There is need to link experts in Diaspora through knowledge sharing with their home countries.

There is also need for establishment of centres of excellence in developing countries. For example the Pan African University which has encouraged a cross border of higher education and has helped in minimizing brain drain.

Kenya needs to increase the role of middle level colleges as a way of building up the critical capacity in developing countries by embracing Technical, Industrial and Vocational Training for technical skills training.

For instance, in the education sector, developing countries need to build education systems that encourage a child’s enthusiasm for science from a young age, through expanding the implementation of ICT and hands-on science in schools. Moreover, a more scientifically literate society will demand more education, over time raising the education level of a country, creating a virtuous circle.

In developing countries today, the capacity building challenges are quite daunting in relation to the overall economic performance and outlook. The building of adequate capacity must be a priority challenge for Kenya and other developing countries in view of the need to analyze problems, formulate, implement and monitor policies, strategies and programmes in an effective manner. The private sector also requires capacity to participate effectively in the development process and assist in the implementation of public policies.

Effective utilization of capacity is better appreciated in successful development management, specifically formulation and implementation of sound policies and programmes, effective management of financial and human resources in relation to the attainment of development goals.

HOW TO MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE USING SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION 

Climate change is a long-term change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods of time that range from decades to millions of years. Climate change may be limited to a specific region, or may occur across the whole Earth.

It has been realized that Kenya’s geographical location and low adaptive capacity make it very vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The African continent in itself has a relatively warm climate, poor soils and high variability in rainfalls and floods. These variations, which are likely to increase with climate change, have a major impact on key sectors such as agriculture, and on levels of poverty and disease. Science, Technology and Innovation therefore, have an indispensable role to play in efforts to understand and manage the full implications of climate change.

Among the many challenges that must be faced are the effects of climate change, access to clean water and health issues such as new flu viruses. But as problems arise, cities will also be the main laboratories for finding the answers. Science, Technology and Innovation must be at the center of these solutions. And it is in mega-cities that most of the cutting-edge science and technology developments are taking place.

In addition to that, Climate change presents many opportunities for Kenya and could serve as a catalyst to build more efficient, low-carbon economies to guarantee Kenya’s future development. For this goal to be realized, Kenya may have to develop innovative policies for climate change to guide the design of appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks and investment of human, financial and technological resources in development, and the acquisition, adaptation and diffusion of “green technologies and products”. Therefore, Science, Technology and Innovation policy for climate change is required to build capacity to respond effectively to the numerous threats and opportunities of climate change.

In understanding planning and adapting to a changing climate, innovation and innovative approaches are important for Kenya and other African countries to take advantage of opportunities and reduce risks. This is because innovation will bring new products, processes and services that could improve and enhance adaptation and mitigation strategies. As such, innovation will determine the ability of Kenya to generate new and improved products and processes to meet the challenges of climate change.

For an innovative country, Kenya, there are innovative approaches that must be considered to monitor transient water levels and for improved water harvesting and saving technologies. For instance, satellite technology can be used for daily monitoring of river levels and soil moisture, for efficient water resource management, especially in trans-boundary waterways.

Moreover, opportunities for developing countries like Kenya include carbon trading to raise revenues for Global Green House Gas emissions reducing projects that also contribute to sustainable development that we need to explore.

Producing and promoting drought tolerant diseases and pest resistant as well as early warning crop varieties through geographical information systems to map the spatial distribution of integrating early warning systems.

Promote energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies e.g. solar wind and biomass

Energy efficient innovations and technologies for instance  fuel from agricultural wastes bagasse from sugarcane.

Impact of climate change in Kenya improve climate friendly technologies as well as developing new ones.

Severe impact of the climate change could easily erode the progress so far made in attainment of vision 2030 and strive to mitigate its effects by adopting appropriate technologies.

 Climate change Pose threats to sustainable development as it negatively impacts virtually all sectors including health, agriculture, forestry and water resources.

Design specific research areas to address the impact, adaptation and ways to reduce vulnerability to climate change and devise ways of coping with the menace.

THE ROLE OF MEDIA IN COMMUNICATING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The Kenya’s Vision 2030 recognizes the role of Science and Technology (S&T) in a Knowledge Based Economy, in which new knowledge plays a great role in promoting the country’s economic status.

It has long been acknowledged that media play an important role in society by providing information that is critical to the way people comprehend and make sense of the world in which they live. The media do these by representing issues, interpreting and evaluating them and in the process helping make sense of the world and events on behalf of their audiences. The way people understand science and technology is influenced to a significant degree by media coverage, interpretation and presentation.

Communication Medias are very powerful tools that enable science and technology to be understood by many. The idea that someone’s perceptions and actions can be changed by information received through sight, sound or touch, is rather profound.  Even more so is the idea that, through exchanging information and ideas, people can influence and change the course of whole societies.

The normal way  in which   people access  information, basically; press  from  newsagents, radio, television and more recently free press  is being pushed aside by new  channels and media like websites, blogs, podcasts and google/news and by a gradual change in the  attitude of the  public  in terms of how  to  consume information and,  in general, science and technology. 

These channels help in facilitating the public understanding of science and technology in a clear and understandable manner.

Through the use of the mentioned Medias in communication, every individual that forms part of society will be in a position to increase their knowledge and understanding of new technologies and innovations, as well as their ability to make informed decisions and use the new applications derived from science in an effective way.

Communication between science and society is crucially important as it helps in informing the broader public about issues related to science, technology and innovations, it also helps to impact on policy-making and agenda- setting.

In addition to that,  it  also affects the  legitimacy of  research, and  it  plays  a  major   role  in the   governance  of  science,  technology and   risk. 

Moreover, blogs,   home  pages  and   open  source  publishing offer   scientists  more possibilities for distributing information to  each other, and  the  wider  public also  has  access to enormous amounts of information online.

In terms of communicating science and technology, the Medias are seen as brokers between science & technology and the public, framing the social reality for their readers and shaping the public consciousness about science & technology-related events. They are the preferred accessible Medias for many readers about science and technology.

Medias also help in bridging the knowledge gap of science and technology since enormous number of audience is reached. However, limited coverage could also be as a result of modest knowledge of science and technology within the media.

The media in Kenya have been  at  the  forefront  of  educating  the  public  on  matters relating to science and technology by  persistently, consistently and accurately conveying basic scientific information about new inventions and other technological advancements. In focusing on such information, the media can affect the scope and form of public knowledge, values, and action via their agenda setting, issue framing, and audience priming functions.

Lastly, the media industry should work closely with training institutions to introduce science curricula as a way of improving the understanding of science and technology issues. Such a foundation is crucial to long-term interest in the field and improvement in its coverage.

DEMYSTIFYING TECHNOLOGICAL DIPLOMACY

The term “science and technology diplomacy” means the provision of science and technology advice to multilateral negotiations and the implementation of the results of such negotiations at the national level. It, therefore, covers activities at both international level and national level pursuant to international commitments.

Science and technology have become key drivers of international relations and  knowledge in  key fields  is an essential prerequisite to effective international negotiations. Understanding the trends in science and technology globally is also a key element for successful national implementation of international agreements.

Agri-biotechnology for instance, has spurred public debate world over and is expected to induce changes in international relations among countries.

The Globalization wave is evident in all sectors of the world economy and science and technology is no exception. Since we cannot downplay its tremendous effects to shape and influence how we do business, and relate with other countries, the fundamental question is how do we utilize science and technology for diplomatic purposes?  The country need not wait for its competitors in tourism, horticulture, tea and coffee industry to capture its markets and then cry foul. We can adapt to changes in the global market through international relations to enhance our competitive- ness. Most of the global challenges facing the 21st Century such as climate change, food security, water and energy shortages, poverty eradication, and nuclear non-proliferation are no longer possible without the use of Science Technology and Innovation (STI). Science-particularly in the form of international collaborative partner- ships must play a pivotal role in ad- dressing these issues.

Humanity now faces many common challenges that can be addressed most effectively if nations pool and leverage their assets. There are two key features of the growth of scientific and technological knowledge that are central to international negotiations.

First, scientific knowledge is becoming increasingly specialized and there- fore demands greater expert input into international negotiations. Second, the application of science and technology to development requires the ability to integrate the divergent disciplines that are needed to solve specific problems. The influence and effectiveness of diplomats and inter- national civil servants increasingly depend upon the extent to which they can mobilize scientific and technical expertise in their work.

This should spur human resource development in science and technology to meet these global demands. Scientific collaboration allows for opportunities for training and research through the international exchange of researchers, joint research and international distribution of science and technology related information.

Indeed it has enabled the success of joint projects in advanced research fields for instance space and marine sciences.  Closer  home the  Kenya - South Africa collaboration in science and technology has enabled researchers in the two countries to undertake research  in water and human medicine through research  grants availed by the two countries.

Opportunities for Kenya through STI Diplomacy include: Establishing systems through which Kenya and other governments collaborating with her will help each other by strengthening capabilities to be able to independently resolve their problems and become self-reliant.

For instance the establishment of Universities of excellence within the East African block would help the member countries to train their countrymen using modern infrastructure already available in other countries to help cut costs and reduce duplication.

Sending Kenya’s excellent research results to the world has the potential to increase the country’s competitiveness by proposing its use for the benefit of human society. M-pesa is a classic example.

USING SCIENCE TO PROPEL AFRICA'S GROWTH  

Science and Technology is playing a central role in national economies all over the world and is also claiming increasing ground in the political arena.

Scientific technologies have brought revolutionary changes to virtually all sectors; take the example of the great leaps that have been realized in the medicine field, which have enabled the complete sequencing of the human genome and the cloning of the Dolly sheep. In agriculture, science has played a critical role in ensuring food security by the innovation of high yielding and drought resistant seeds as well as herbicide and pesticide tolerant plant varieties.

The explosion witnessed in the ICT pendency and connectivity and globalization and competition have drastically increased leading to increased world trade patterns and economic relations.

It is worthwhile to note that the tools of progress are within our reach. Science in general is not evolving in a socio-economic vacuum. The African public and politicians should have a direct interest in scientific advances and technological developments and should participate in the debate. With the experience of the industrialized nations-America and  the European countries together with Asian countries, which  have greatly improved their societies  after taking  up scientific technologies, Africa can embrace Science and Technology (S&T) as the propelling force needed to drive its hungry and poor nations into a food and energy secure dome, raising  the living standards of its inhabitants.

Science & Technology as the major propelling force of development gives rise to a set of issues and questions. For a better understanding of S&T and its applications, Africa requires familiarization with a wide range of issues. This would include; how to use S&T as the acting principle in decision making, how to implement scientific inventions, where to allocate resources and also how to measure our progress.

With the political, social and economic dynamics in mind, we should work towards renewing and broadening of scientific education at all ages, keeping pace of time. Incorporating science in the school curricular right from primary schools, secondary schools and the university level as a bridge from technology to the society should be encouraged to close the science knowledge gap.

In this connection, particular attention needs to be paid to the un- equal access to education as one of the main causes of the inequalities between men and women. Access to all levels of schooling can play a big role in expanding and enhancing the involvement of women in science and technology.

The control of science and technology is a domain that is overwhelmingly male dominated and yet the full participation of women in the development and application of S& T is critical to the socio-economic development of African countries. Social is- sues, for instance access to clean water a fuel are considered a woman’s business. Applying technologies like rainwater harvesting or turning waste water into safe drinking water and use of solar energy would greatly ease the burden off their shoulders.

Previously, academic science was divided into physics, biology, chemistry, geology and mathematics. The disciplines have now been used as building blocks for interdisciplinary research that cuts across the borders of the different fields, and the idea of creating a new academic field out of such research is taking shape.

Creation of “interdisciplinary science” would pave way for intensive interdisciplinary research making full use of and integrating the existing techniques and concepts of natural science in order to reach a deeper understanding of science and also form a new comprehensive academic system never seen before.

VOCATIONAL TRAINING IS A VITAL PART OF VISION 2030

VOCATIONAL TRAINING IS A VITAL PART OF VISION 2030 

The Vision 2030 has placed new demands on Technical & Vocational E d u c a t i o n   a n d Training (TVET) as a leading engine  that the economy must essentially rely upon to produce adequate levels of middle level  work force that  will be needed to drive the economy to- wards the attainment of the vision. For a very long term TVET has been shunned because of the poor perception that it is training ground for “failures” yet we need manpower with hands-on skills to work in our industries. Universities basically produce managers. Who will they manage if we do not train more technicians to work under them?  TVET institutions offer opportunity for many young people to gain technical skills both for self and formal employment.

There is therefore need to modernise the institutions so that they can offer quality technical training that is needed in the country. Whereas the ratio of engineers: technologists: technicians: artisans in developed countries stands at 1:2:4:12, the same ratio is 1:3:12:60 in developing countries. Best practices from countries like Germany, Australia and Korea with vibrant and focused TVET policies, and strategies have shown that TVET can provide human re- source for Kenya’s industrial trans- formation. A paradigm shift from time-bound, curriculum-based training to flexible and competency-based training is necessary for the revitalisation process. The taskforce on realignment of higher education, science and technology to the new Constitution proposes the introduction of flexible TVET programmes and modular training to enhance access to TVET.

The training programmes should be designed so as to operate within a framework, which  leads to life- long education and facilitates-in- novation and creativity; continuation of training for improvement of professional qualifications and updating of knowledge, skills and understanding.

Likewise there must be complementary education for those receiving technical, vocational and education training in the form of on-the-job training or other training in institutions or other facilities.

Teaching methods should encourage the linkage between science and technology on one hand and the learner’s culture and environment on the other as a way of improving the learning outcome and validating indigenous knowledge and technology for sustain- able development.

Incorporation of entrepreneur- ship skills and education could foster innovation and promote technology diffusion by equip- ping the TVET graduates with the ability to absorb, process, and integrate new ideas into production and service delivery.

TVET institutions must partner with similar or higher institutions, nationally and internationally for best practice and synergy. We need science and technology know-how to harness our resources, industrialise and participate in the global knowledge economy.

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics teaching must  equip graduates with skills relevant to market needs and ability to produce scientific knowledge and technological innovation that will contribute to development of globally  competitive knowledge- based society.