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.

UNEARTHING PWANI’S RICHES THROUGH MINERAL EXPLORATION

UNEARTHING PWANI’S RICHES THROUGH MINERAL EXPLORATION

The mining sub-sector account for about 1% of the GDP and contributed about Kenya Shillings 11 billion to the national export earnings in 2008, the majority contributed by the soda ash operation at Lake Magadi in south-central Kenya.

Kenya is endowed with a wide range of minerals such as soda ash, fluorspar, limestone, barite, gypsum, salt, dimension stone, silica sand, soapstone, manganese, copper, zinc, titanium, lead, nickel, carbon dioxide, chromite, pyrite, rare earth elements and phyrochore. Gold is produced primarily by artisanal workers in the west and south western parts of the country, on several small greenstone belts while Iron ore is mined from small localized deposits for use in the domestic manufacture of cement.

I emphasize here that mining can act as an engine for socio-economic development by diversifying exports, widening the tax base, generating skilled employees, creating demand for local goods and services, making contribution to infrastructure development. However there is inadequate geological information on the Country’s mineral potential and outdated legislation still govern the Industry.  While it is true that all unexplored minerals remain as the Government’s property, to maximize benefits from the sector, the participation of the private sector must not be overlooked. This in my opinion calls for policy and legislative reforms.

More focus should be put on intensifying geological mapping and geo-data management to facilitate understanding of the country’s geology, its associated hazards and exploitation of mineral resources which will provide information that may lead to discovery of minerals of commercial value while also maximize the benefits of already available ones.

Mining of Limestone for cement manufacturing, Iron ore, Titanium is done in Kwale while Celica for sheet glass and Gemstones mining occurs in Taveta regions of the Coast Province. Clearly seen as one of the largest potential capital projects in Kenya is the Kwale Hill heavy mineral sands project that is being developed along the country's south-eastern coast. The question is what has been done to exploit this great potential? It is sad to note that despite the huge potential of mining in the Coast, it remains largely undeveloped. Most of these minerals still remain unexploited due to inadequate knowledge on their status, economic viability and appropriate mining technologies.

A thriving mining industry in the Coast Province can be achieved through encouraging small scale mining which offers opportunities to support rural livelihoods and local entrepreneurship by addressing the factors that limit small- scale mining, particularly lack of access to finance and recognition of mineral rights and incentives to operate legally. Small scale mining groups or individuals need to be encouraged to form cooperatives and register self-help groups so that they are able to attract necessary resources to enable them develop sustainable operations. Together with this, community sensitization on mining activities and its benefits is key. Whereas titanium is largely available in Kwale, very few locals understand its worth. Due to its excellent resistance to sea water and lightweight, titanium is used in the construction of make fishing vessels and ships which transverse the great oceans in the world. As an important pigment for industrial, domestic and artistic applications, it could play a big role in the paint industry. Titanium also has potential use in desalination plants for converting sea water into fresh water. Such an understanding, I believe would increase business involvement in the industry.  Modernizing the mineral laboratory would guarantee up-to-date sampling and testing and adoption of modern techniques in mining and environment protection is paramount to minimize environmental degradation attributed to mining activities.

I also encourage the University colleges in the region; Pwani University College, Taita Taveta University College and Mombasa Polytechnic University College to strengthen programmes in Mining and mineral exploration as a way of building up the human resource base for the industry. The middle level colleges also have a role to play in providing hands on skills on the different aspects of the economic activity.

Under the new constitution the Government is obliged to ensure sustainable exploitation of the environment and natural resources as well as equitable sharing of the accruing benefits. Already, an appropriate mineral prospecting and mining policy conducive to investment and Private Public Partnerships (PPP) in the mining sector is in place. A draft mining and Minerals bill seeks to address intergenerational equity and sustainable utilization of mineral resources. Environmental conservation in mineral resource development, alternative mine closure and development of new mine sites together with value addition of raw minerals before export as a way of increasing returns for the people of Kenya. The policy is expected to unlock the potential of the mining sector in Kenya to attract new investment in the exploration for and exploitation of minerals resources so that the country is able to compete for international investment effectively.

The Government through the Nuclear Electricity Project plans to adopt the use of nuclear energy as a long-term energy source for the country by the year 2022. Alluvial deposits of uranium which is raw material in nuclear energy production found along the coastline in Kenya could make this dream a reality because of the readily available raw material.

I propose that the Government set-up raw materials research Institute to help explore on maximizing the potential of these minerals through value-addition for economic development. I think the Coast Province is the most ideal site given its great wealth of minerals.

It is important for the leadership in this industry to strive and identify appropriate technology that can be used. Benchmarking with countries like Canada could help country adopt such technologies.

The Coastal population should seriously take up this economic activity to their advantage.  Local leaders should create enabling environment for investors to encourage investment and ensure that the province reaps the full economic and social benefits that mining development promises. The expected economic benefits should be maximized through capacity building and promotion of value addition.

FISHING ACTIVITIES FOR WEALTH CREATION IN THE COASTAL REGION

FISHING ACTIVITIES FOR WEALTH CREATION IN THE COASTAL REGION 

Fisheries industry is a crucial source of income and livelihood for hundreds of millions of people around the world. Fish and fish products provides, high quality protein, essential nutrients and minerals that are often difficult to obtain from other food sources. The world fish production reached a record 142 Million tonnes according to FAO Report; The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture2010.

Aquaculture plays an increasingly important role in the world fish production.    According to the FAO estimation an additional 37 million tonnes of fish per year will be needed by 2030 to maintain current levels of fish consumption for an expanded world population. By 2030, the addition of 2 billion more people to the world population will mean that aquaculture will need to produce nearly double that; 85 million tonnes of fish per year just to maintain the current per capita consumption levels (FAO 2007). The demand and therefore the market for aquaculture production will continue to rise with the rising world’s population.

In Kenya, over 500,000 people are directly employed by the sector, while over 1 million benefit from it. The freshwater fisheries especially Lake Victoria supports about 35,000 fishers and marine fisheries over 8,000 fishers. The majority of these fishers are artisanal using un-mechanized fishing vessels. The country earns over KShs. 4 billion in foreign exchange and the fishers over KShs. 7 billion, thus contributing to poverty alleviation especially among fishing communities in the country.

Kenya has great potentials for aquaculture growth.  Although endowed with climatic diversity, natural features and resources that favour the culture of a wide variety of aquaculture species, only a small portion of these resources are utilized.  In a survey carried out by the Ministry of Fisheries Development, results show that there is enormous potential for aquaculture in the country; the areas suitable for fish farming cover over 1.14 million hectares. If this potential is fully exploited, fish production could be increased to 11 million tones per annum earning about Ksh 750 billion. The Current production is only 4,220 metric tonnes with a total area under aquaculture production standing at only 722 hectares. Although extensive fishing is carried out inland and in some cases leading to over exploitation of inland fishing grounds, aquaculture and marine fishing underdeveloped while the vast Ocean waits to be exploited.

In order to encourage fish farming among the Coastal people, it is essential that both farmers and financial institutions be convinced that fish farming can be profitable and not just for subsistence. Kenya has a good base on which to expand its aquaculture output. Several possible activities that could harness this potential include: culture of food fish, shellfish and seaweed, fish culture for sport, raising of ornamental specimens for export, the recycling of organic waste and the production of industrial fish products such as fish meal and fertilizers, providing basic infrastructure for aquaculture development e.g. roads, electricity to fish farming areas, water, schools, hospitals and telecommunication and radio network systems, creating a legal framework and policies for aquaculture development, providing land for aquaculture development.  An imperative to all this would be to create awareness of the huge potential, involving the communities and other stakeholders in the industry, encouraging small-scale fishermen to form groups and societies to help market their products. Encouraging the private sector to drive the growth of the aquaculture sector through public private partnerships is also key.

Besides fish for food, marine resources also provide for recreation through sport fishing and angling, mangrove and coral reefs.  The marine big game sport fishing significantly contributes to coastal tourism. Auxiliary industries like boat and net making also spring up from fishing. Appropriate technology especially in boat making can greatly promote marine fishing.

   I would like to urge KMFRI research activities to continue to focus on the development of appropriate technology for fishing especially marine, the efficient system of transportation, processing, value addition, storage, preservation and marketing of fish and fishery products, to make them acceptable to local and export markets and utilization of fish by-products.

Aquaculture can make an important contribution to poverty alleviation, food security and social well-being. China remains the largest fish producing country with about a third of the World’s fish production coming from it alone. Extensive aquaculture has enabled it to export aquaculture products, earning major source of foreign exchange which is then invested to further its development. It is possible to do likewise in the this region, if all the players focus on strategic direction. We must take fishing as business and not just for subsistence purpose.

SCIENCE, IT AND INNOVATION ARE THE KEY DRIVERS OF OUR VISION 2030

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 industrializing 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 prioritize 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 utilize 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 commercialization. We should strive to allocate at-least 1 per cent of our GDP to research and development.

Promoting an Intellectual Property Rights regime that maximizes 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 commercialization of inventions and innovations to maximize public good/interest.