A new research brief published by the Transformative Innovation Policy Consortium (TIPC) highlights the urgent need for Science, Technology and Innovation Parks (STIPs) in Kenya, arguing that these parks can play a central role in driving inclusive, knowledge-based economic development. Despite years of effort and national strategies like Vision 2030, Kenya has struggled to implement STIPs at scale, largely due to fragmented policy coordination, limited private sector involvement, and weak links between universities, research, and industry.
STIPs are dedicated spaces, often linked to universities or research institutions, that bring together academia, industry, and government to support innovation, commercialise research outputs, and grow technology-based businesses. They serve as hubs for experimentation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, offering infrastructure, incubation services, and technical support for start-ups, SMEs, and R&D-intensive firms.
Drawing on international best practices and local experiences, the research brief identifies clear policy gaps and proposes actionable recommendations for building and leveraging a sustainable science, technology and innovation infrastructure. These include finalising and implementing national STI and STIP policies, investing in infrastructure and human resources, and fostering stronger collaboration across government, academia, and the private sector. The brief also underscores the transformative potential of STIPs to support entrepreneurship and strengthen Kenya’s innovation system.
The publication was co-authored by Dr Chux Daniels, Senior Research Fellow at SPRU, University of Sussex, and Director of the Transformative Innovation Africa Hub (TIAH), and Dr Frank Ndakala, Deputy Director of Research at Kenya’s Ministry of Education. Their work is part of a growing body of research within TIPC that explores how science, technology, and innovation can drive long-term, system-wide change in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
As Kenya transitions toward a more knowledge-based economy, the authors argue that STIPs, if well designed, governed, and resourced, can become critical platforms for transformative innovation.
Read the full brief: The Case for Science, Technology and Innovation Parks in Kenya
By Dr Chux Daniels and Dr Frank Ndakala
Suggested reference: Daniels C. and Ndakala, F. (2025). The Case for Science, Technology and Innovation Parks in Kenya, TIPC Research Brief No 2