Kenya Innovation Week (KIW) 2024, an influential forum spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports through the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), kicked off on November 25, 2024. This event assembles key stakeholders to assess, celebrate, and revitalize the National Innovation Ecosystem, which is critical for advancing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and Vision 2030. The vibrant National Innovation Ecosystem fosters job creation, wealth generation, and the enhancement of Kenya’s global competitiveness.
C4DLab-incubated startups, Appen Softwares, FLIPS Org and RoISUM showcased how their cutting-edge, AI-and-Iot- and Machine-Learning-driven technologies aim to combat the effects of climate change across domains such as bridges, roads and flooding.
Day 1: A Promising Start for Kenya’s Ambitious Goals
The first day, lasting From 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, saw KIW 2024 showcase a variety of significant sessions and exhibitions. One of the highlights was the presentation by C4DLab-incubated startup, Appen Softwares. They introduced their cutting-edge Self-Aware AIoT-Informed Digital Twin Bridge Maintenance and Operation System (SADMOS). This innovative solution leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics to enhance bridge resilience against climate change by monitoring, maintaining, and predicting bridge lifespans. The startup exhibition was conducted by Debbie Telori and Eugene Kanila, guided by the Project Manager, Shem Mbandu.
Throughout the day, attendees also engaged in several notable sessions:
- Pan-African AI Hackathon by Vambo AI & Futurize
- AyuTe Agritech Connect Pitch Session by Heifer International
- Regulatory Sandbox Unveil by Villgro Africa
- Presidential Innovation Awards (R2C Pitches) by Kenya National Innovation Agency
These sessions provided a platform for showcasing cutting-edge innovations and fostering discussions that drive Kenya’s ambitious economic and technological goals. The energy and excitement from day one set a promising tone for the rest of the week, highlighting Kenya’s commitment to innovation and progress.
Day 2: A Showcase of Leadership and Innovation
The second day of Kenya Innovation Week 2024 kicked off with the Entrepreneurial Leaders Training Program, a Vice Chancellors Edition, designed to elevate the strategic vision and practical skills of university leaders. The morning began with registration, welcome remarks, and introductions, followed by key sessions that set the tone for a day filled with insightful discussions and presentations.
Christine Maina, CEO of the East Africa Venture Capital Association (EAVCA), led a session on the private sector funding landscape for startups, highlighting the successes and challenges faced by entrepreneurs and the pivotal role universities play in shaping entrepreneurial success. This was followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between KeNIA, KNEIL, and EAVCA, and the launch of reports on developing funding frameworks for universities, supported by both the UK Government and RISA.
University innovation masterplans were also a major focus, with perspectives from KNEIL and highlights from the masterplans of 14 universities. Notable speeches were delivered by Eng. John Tanui, PS of the State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy, and Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, PS of the State Department for Higher Education and Research. The session concluded with reflections, Q&A, and closing remarks from Ian Korongo.
FLIPS Org Exhibition: FLIPS Org, a C4DLab-incubated startup, showcased their innovative system for real-time flood monitoring and early warning, led by Project Manager Sam Otieno. Integrating Machine Learning and Remote Sensing, FLIPS detects water level variations and alerts stakeholders via website and SMS, highlighting the practical application of technology in disaster management.
Africa Design Thinking Summit –The Africa Design Thinking Summit showcased the power of design thinking in fostering innovation and problem-solving. Prof. Wanja Mwaura Tenambergen, Riara University, introduced the summit’s theme and objectives, with sessions on the transformative potential of design thinking in higher education. Keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops explored reimagining university campuses and empathy mapping for university leaders.
AI in Digital Transformation, Environmental Resource Management, and Climate Maasai Mara University led a session on the critical role of AI in digital transformation, environmental resource management, and climate.
Commercialisation Summit The summit brought together stakeholders to discuss strengthening research-to-market efforts in Kenyan institutions. Key sessions included the Research Commercialization Guidebook by RISA, showcases from Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, and discussions on technology adoption and market access. The day concluded with reflections and closing remarks from Ian Korongo, Kenya National Innovation Agency.
Round Table Networking of Innovation Agencies IAA-IDRC The Network of Innovation Agencies in Africa convened to promote and advance innovation across the continent. The event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and World Café sessions to facilitate focused dialogue on the network’s agenda and activation strategies.
Day 3: A Spectrum of Innovation and Collaboration
Morning Session The day commenced with exhibitions and an opening ceremony that included a VVIP guided tour of selected booths. Opening remarks were delivered by the Kenya National Innovation Agency, followed by a high-level panel discussion on the Kenya Innovation Ecosystem. Hon. Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, provided insights, while Prof. Benedict O. Oramah, CEO of Afrexim Bank, and H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya, gave keynote addresses.
All-Day Training Capacity-building training sessions were held in the Ballroom by Finnish Development NGOs (Fingo), including crash courses on digital data gathering using Ombea and KoboToolbox, updated principles for digital development, private sector collaboration, and the Smart Solar Media (SSM) System.
Exhibition Highlight C4DLab-incubated startup, Appen Softwares, introduced their Self-Aware AIoT-Informed Digital Twin Bridge Maintenance and Operation System (SADMOS). This innovative solution leverages AI, IoT, and data analytics to enhance bridge resilience against climate change by monitoring, maintaining, and predicting bridge lifespans. The startup exhibition was conducted by Debbie Telori and Eugene Kanila.
Afternoon Session The Kenya Start-Up Summit, organized by the Kenya National Innovation Agency, took place, showcasing innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit.
Evening Session The day concluded with a cocktail and networking event, providing attendees with opportunities to connect and collaborate. Exhibitions continued until 5:30 pm, highlighting Kenya’s dynamic and evolving innovation landscape.
Day 4: Diverse Summit Sessions and Recognition
Morning Exhibitions The day kicked off with exhibitions, including the Space Summit by Leo Sky Africa and the Kenya Space Agency in Room 22, and the Student Innovation Summit by STEM Impact Centre, Wavumbuzi, and Jasiri.
Summit Sessions Various summits took place:
- Commercialization/Intellectual Property Summit: Organized by Risa Fund, Anza Village, Daystar University, ARIPO, Factor Y, Ministry of Trade Industry and Cooperatives Uganda, and the Kenya National Innovation Agency.
- AI Summit: Focused on Artificial Intelligence.
- Green Tech Summit: Hosted by ASSEK and UNDP in Room 21.
Afternoon Activities
- The Technology in Africa Book Project by the University of Ghana Business School and Risa Fund took place in Room 23.
- A Multi-Country, Multi-Disciplinary Hackathon on Climate, Sustainability, and Industry was organized by the East Africa Research and Innovation Hub (EARIH) and the British High Commission.
Evening Events The evening featured an Awards Gala and Dinner, including the AgriTech4Kenya Innovation Challenge by CGIAR and the Accelerate for Impact Platform (A4IP).
Closing Ceremony Highlights of the ceremony included a showcase and signing ceremony, closing remarks by Dr. Tonny Omwansa, CEO of Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), and the announcement of KIW2025 dates.
Exhibition Highlight Appen Softwares, a C4DLab-incubated startup, introduced their Self-Aware AIoT-Informed Digital Twin Bridge Maintenance and Operation System (SADMOS). This innovative solution leverages AI, IoT, and data analytics to enhance bridge resilience against climate change by monitoring, maintaining, and predicting bridge lifespans. The exhibition was conducted by Debbie Telori and Eugene Kanila.
Day 5(Final): Visioning and Future Prospects
Morning Sessions The day began with sessions exploring the National Innovation Visioning, discussing the journey, successes, and challenges of developing visionary plans like Kenya Vision 2030 and the Kenya 10-year Innovation Masterplan. It focused on sustaining momentum and tracking progress.
Another session on Thinking through Innovation Clustering in Kenya brought together industry leaders, startups, government, academia, and investors to discuss aspirations and support needed for clustering in the national innovation system.
A session on Access to Funding for Innovation examined the growth of new start-up investments in Kenya and addressed the challenges in accessing funding, with a debate and presentation on financial instruments.
Enos Waswa, Country Director at UK-Kenya Tech Hub, presented on Access to Market for innovation/startups, focusing on sustainability and growth at local, regional, and global levels.
Afternoon and Evening Sessions The Agritech4Kenya Innovation Challenge Bootcamp culminated with 25 teams pitching their innovations, offering a unique opportunity for networking and connecting with potential investors and partners. The event included opening remarks, a keynote address, pitch event introductions, and rounds of pitching, followed by a closing ceremony with participant certifications.
Exhibition Highlight RoISUM by Benson Odongo and Jerry Onyango exhibited a system that utilizes AI and Machine Learning to identify road anomalies using collected data. RoISUM generates climate hazard maps, creates digital twins, provides road alerts, and offers traffic rerouting options.
The day was filled with insightful discussions, innovative showcases, and opportunities for collaboration, closing with a celebration of achievements and future prospects.
Kenya Innovation Week 2024 was a resounding success, showcasing the country’s commitment to fostering a robust innovation ecosystem that supports economic transformation and global competitiveness. The event brought together diverse stakeholders, highlighting the importance of collaboration, capacity building, and strategic planning in driving Kenya’s innovation agenda forward. Kenya Innovation Week (KIW) 2024, an influential forum spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports through the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), kicked off on November 25, 2024. This event assembles key stakeholders to assess, celebrate, and revitalize the National Innovation Ecosystem, which is critical for advancing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and Vision 2030. The vibrant National Innovation Ecosystem fosters job creation, wealth generation, and the enhancement of Kenya’s global competitiveness.
For more details on the event full programme, you can visit the https://kenyainnovationweek.com/programme.