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
Lecturer @ Multimedia University of Kenya | PhD in Entrepreneurship Development
1moInsightful