By Patricia Mollyne Mataga
The government is creating a conducive environment that supports innovation in the country, President William Ruto has said.
Ruto named the Presidential Innovation Challenge and Award, the Hustler Fund, the Youth Enterprise Fund and the Women Fund as some of the efforts his administration has made to support innovations.
The move, the Head of State said will play a pivotal role in providing funding for ideas, talents and other ventures.
Additionally, Ruto said, the government’s investments in infrastructure, including projects like Jitume Labs and the transformation of Youth Empowerment Centres into innovation hubs, will further bolster the innovation ecosystem.
“As a government, we are committed to innovative mindsets across all facets of our administration,” Ruto said.
He spoke on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, during the Innovation Challenge and Awards ceremony at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday,.
Moreover, the President said the government is keen on expanding opportunities for Kenyan youth.
“The Presidential Innovation Award stands as a testament to our commitment to supporting young people and fostering their entrepreneurial spirit, thus contributing to job creation and wealth generation,” he said.
He further noted that the 2023 pilot programme, which was part of the government’s Talanta Hela initiative, focused on youth, their talents and their ability to create impactful solutions for society.
In addition, Youth Affairs, Sports and Creative Economy Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba said the awards aim to promote innovation as a drive for socio-economic development by fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and commercialisation of Kenyan innovations.
The Presidential Innovation Award (PIA) is a module of the Talanta Hela programme run by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports that intends to develop the entrepreneurial capacity of innovators across the country.
It recognises and awards the innovative work of top innovators in the country within the national priority areas to encourage and support young people who are using their innovativeness, creativity and problem-solving skills to make a positive impact on society while becoming economically active.
“The goal of the Presidential Innovation Award is to promote innovation as a driver for socio-economic development through fostering entrepreneurial mindsets and commercialisation capabilities of Kenyan innovators,” read part of the description on the Talanta Hela official website.