The Call for Innovations for the Presidential Innovation Challenge and Award (PIA) 2024-2025 is NOW LIVE! If you’ve got groundbreaking innovations, this is your moment to shine! Submit your innovations today at https://pia.kenia.go.ke #PIA2024 #KenyaInnovates #EnablingInnovation
Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA)
Government Administration
A State Corporation mandated to develop and manage the National Innovation System.
About us
The Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) is a State Corporation established under the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Act, No. 28 of 2013 under the Ministry of Education. The core mandate of the Agency is to develop and manage the National Innovation Ecosystem. The Agency is therefore responsible for co-ordination, promotion and regulation of the National Innovation Ecosystem. Working with partners, KeNIA strengthens interrelationships between actors in order to promote innovation and enterprise development out of research and ideas. From supporting the identification, recording and protection of innovative ideas to coordinating the establishment and implementation of appropriate policies, standards, processes, infrastructure, and partnerships to nurture the innovative ideas. The agency also works with partners to ensure appropriate prioritization, relevant capacity development, innovation recognition and publication of the same.
- Website
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https://www.innovationagency.go.ke/
External link for Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA)
- Industry
- Government Administration
- Company size
- 51-200 employees
- Headquarters
- Nairobi
- Type
- Government Agency
- Founded
- 2013
Locations
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Primary
Get directions
Nairobi
Nairobi, KE
Employees at Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA)
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Shikoh Gitau
Digital | Data| Innovation| Artificial Intelligence |Digital Economy| Start-ups |Entrepreneurship| Philanthropist | Investor| Polymath | AFRICA
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Elizabeth Muthoni (PMP)
Senior Strategy and Planning Officer
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collins otieno
Program Management | Resource Mobilization | Community Engagement | Innovation Leadership | Diplomacy |Project implementation
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Onyando P.
Economist, Project Management
Updates
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Season’s Greetings from the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA)! We are immensely grateful for your partnership and support in advancing Kenya's innovation ecosystem. As we celebrate this festive season, we wish you joy, peace, and success. Let’s continue shaping a brighter, innovative future together in 2025! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2025. #InnovateKenya Dr. Tonny K. Omwansa, PhD
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Happy Jamhuri Day! 🇰🇪 Today, we celebrate the strength of our independence and the boundless potential of innovation to shape our nation's future. Together, let's continue to foster creativity and ingenuity as we build a prosperous Kenya for all. #JamhuriDay2024 #JamhuriDay
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KeNIA board member Sheena Raikundalia contributed compelling insights during an explosive debate on the final day of Kenya Innovation Week (KIW) 2024 - Africa Edition. The discussion focused on whether there is sufficient funding for startups in Kenya. Supporting the motion, she highlighted key strides made in Kenya's innovation ecosystem, emphasizing the growing availability of funding opportunities through government initiatives, venture capital, angel investors, and innovation hubs. Her argument shed light on the untapped potential and the need to improve access and equity to ensure these resources reach promising startups across diverse sectors.
Entrepreneur | Former Lawyer | Gov Policy Advisor | Angel Investor | Board Member | Ex-Country Director, UK-Kenya Tech Hub (British Gov)
Last week at #kiw I participated in an interesting #debate “Is there sufficient #funding for #startups in #Kenya.” I argued for the motion, with data points showing how much money there is in Kenya. #KenyaCapitalLandscape: #InternationalInvestment: In 2023, Kenyan startups raised $800 million, 28% of Africa’s total, outperforming Egypt and South Africa. #HNIs: 2023: Kenya was ranked as the #fourth wealthiest country in Africa, with approximately 7,700 dollar #millionaires. #Chamas; There are an estimated 300,000 chamas in Kenya, collectively controlling #assets worth about KES 300 billion(approximately $3.4 billion), #Banking sector- In 2022,Kenyan banks reported total assets amounting to KES 6.2 trillion (approximately $51.7 billion). So where is the money going? 1. #GovernmentBonds: With approx 15% returns, majority of local investments is in government bonds-in 2022, Treasury bonds KES 3.50 trillion 2. #RealEstate- Land is the preferred choice for most Kenyans! Projected to hit KES 733 billion in 2024. The #issue isn’t a lack of capital—it’s the #high opportunity cost of investing in startups. #Whatneedstochange? 1. #Raiseawareness: Iinvesting in startups makes business sense. More businesses, more jobs, more wealth for people to buy goods and services, bigger overall market. 2. #Incentives to invest - with such high returns/alternatives due to government borrowing, the opportunity cost is too high. Need better incentives 3. #Mindset- collectively we already invest, our friends business, loan here, chamasz Let’s raise awareness and do this more formally. Kenya doesn’t need more money for startups—it needs the right environment to channel existing wealth into innovation. I rest my case! Although we lost the motion (narrowly) how would you hav voted?? Thanks to awesome moderator, Harry Hare, fellow debaters, Wilfred Njagi Victor Otieno Agolla Otieno, Prof Robert Gatere. Dr. Tonny K. Omwansa, PhD Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA)
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Interesting conversation by Sheena Raikundalia, board member at KeNIA on the role that Kenya Innovation Week (KIW) is playing in shaping the innovation ecosystem in Kenya. Her insights highlight KIW as a platform that fosters collaboration among stakeholders, drives innovation-led solutions, and positions Kenya as a hub for creativity and entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneur | Former Lawyer | Gov Policy Advisor | Angel Investor | Board Member | Ex-Country Director, UK-Kenya Tech Hub (British Gov)
Had a great conversation with WINNIE LUBEMBE NTV on ongoing #KIW, role of #government and #innovation in general, where does #kenya /Africa stand. Some key discussions: #Innovation #nontech: Innovation does not mean tech! #Tech is one forum on innovation, you can be an innovative chef! #buzzword- Innovation has become a buzzword! What does it actually mean? It’s basically doing things #differently, better. It doesn’t have to be a product can be a #businessmodel innovation- eg in Kenya, Pay as You go was hugely innovative! #secrecy - Ideas are great, I have one everytime I take a shower! Its #implementation that’s key. Also you may think your idea is different, unique! Most likely 100s of people have had the same idea- which is why focus on execution #protect - especially in Kenya, some #corporates, you know who you are have stolen ideas etc so the fear is real..so think through #NDA, #IP but be practical. Instead of just being the victim- “they used me, use them back” #Roleofgovernment Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) is proof that government can be good! It’s my #board role that I’m most proud of! It maybe be a small agency, but super powerful. Some key #achievements: #KenyaInnovationWeek- 4th year, bringing ecosystem from #startups, #corporates, #investors, #academia, #government and #donors! This #African edition, brought innovation agencies across Africa together. #R2C accelerator- so many good ideas sitting in universities as #papers, #patents from drought resistant seeds, ventilators etc but how to #commercialise into businesses! R2C innovators have raised $48m since the programme! #Govt as an #Enabler: two roles: 1. create an environment enabling environment so that businesses can grow. 2. Provide market for private sector- buy local, open new markets. #Kenya- Pride of Africa #collective - as individuals countries, we are #weak, collectively as a continent we are #unstoppable. #marketing- As the #youngest continent, naturally blessed we have opportunities everywhere, we just need to market better, whether our #sukumawiku vs kale, #terere vs amaranth, we are full of #superfoods. #payments: Let’s figure out an Africa approach: where its payments in local currency (PAPSS) instead of #dollars, #cheapertravel? Why should it cost be more to travel to Europe/ Middle East instead of within Africa. My one #wish: less #silos.. imagine if the #privatesector stated their needs in agriculture, health etc. #Innovators in universities or otherwise #built solutions private sector needed, so already an #existingmarket. #Government helped with enabling environment + helped #buy or market products across Africa and globally?! Dr. Tonny K. Omwansa, PhD
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"We know there's an opportunity for everyone because we are building a system that will cut across all sectors''- Hear it from the top! KeNIA CEO Dr. Tonny K. Omwansa, PhD is lighting the path to Kenya Innovation Week 2024- Africa Edition! This year, we're embracing emerging technologies, transformative ideas, and collaborations that will define the future of Africa's innovation ecosystem. Get your ticket: https://lnkd.in/dSfXHcD2 Kenya Innovation Week (KIW)
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KeNIA today hosted a delegation from the Swiss Embassy in Kenya led by Dr. Martina Hirayama, the State Secretary, State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation SERI and Amb. Mirko Giulietti on a courtesy call for an exchange of ideas on ST&I, and opportunities for collaboration in innovation between Kenya and Switzerland. KeNIA is happy to report that we will be in the coming days actioning result oriented collaboration between KeNIA and INNOSpace of Switzerland as a first phase and result of this significant meeting. Dr. Tonny K. Omwansa, PhD
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🚨 [DEADLINE EXTENSION] The application deadline for the Presidential Innovation Award (PIA) has been extended! Seize this opportunity to showcase your innovative ideas, gain access to funding and mentorship, and make a lasting impact on a national scale. NEW DEADLINE: 17TH NOVEMBER 2024 Here’s what awaits you: ✅ Unlock funding and market opportunities ✅ Achieve national recognition and the opportunity to showcase your innovation at the Kenya Innovation Week ✅ Unlock connections with a network of local and global partners ✅ Receive expert guidance from KeNIA and industry experts ✅ Benefit from a sponsored acceleration program that offers entrepreneurial training and technical support Read the terms & conditions to know if you are eligible to apply: https://lnkd.in/dct2eNfq APPLY HERE 👉 https://lnkd.in/dzpjSQfS Learn more: 📑 https://lnkd.in/dDERheFA 📧 Contact us at http://info@innovationagency.go.ke Kenya Innovation Week (KIW) Kipchumba Murkomen Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, MBS Dr. Tonny K. Omwansa, PhD ASSEK Association of Countrywide Innovations Hubs
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As a leading force within the National Innovation Ecosystem, we recognize the synergy between entrepreneurship and innovation, and the potential for visionary entrepreneurs to accelerate economic growth, improve livelihoods, and drive sustainable development. Thus, we will host the Inaugural Kenya Start-Up Summit at the Kenya Innovation Week 2024 #KIW2024. Register at https://lnkd.in/dSfXHcD2 Kenya Innovation Week (KIW) Jasiri4Africa Wavumbuzi Entrepreneurship Challenge Africa East Africa Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (EAVCA) Statehouse Kenya Ministry of Information, Communications and The Digital Economy AfriNext Ventures
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Yesterday marked the closure of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) training by KeNIA on Innovation, Commercialisation and Intellectual Property Rights with participants having gone through 3 days of intense practical knowledge exchange on the topics. Key outcomes include a road map to refining KeNHA ,s IP policy and Innovation Strategy as well as deliberate commitment to put up structures of Innovation and incentivising Innovation at KeNHA. Dr. Tonny K. Omwansa, PhD Ian Lugwiri Francis Okwara Elizabeth Muthoni
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