In an era defined by complex global challenges, from climate change and public health crises to digital transformation and sustainable development, the future of progress lies not in isolated effort but in collaboration across borders. It was against this backdrop that academics, policymakers, government representatives, and development partners convened at Strathmore University for the Horizon Europe–Africa Initiative IV workshop on February 2, 2026, united by the shared conviction that knowledge, when exchanged and applied collectively, can become a force for transformation.

The national hybrid workshop brought together key actors from Kenya’s research and innovation ecosystem to strengthen understanding of Horizon Europe funding opportunities, researcher mobility, networking platforms, and collaborative frameworks, while deepening Africa–European Union (EU) cooperation in science, research, and innovation. The forum was organised by the European Union Delegation to Kenya in collaboration with Strathmore University, the European Union Delegation to the African Union, and EURAXESS Africa.

As the European Union marks 50 years of diplomatic relations with Kenya, the workshop stood as both a celebration of past achievements and a forward-looking commitment to deepen cooperation in education, research, science, and cultural exchange. Over five decades, EU–Kenya relations have evolved into a multifaceted partnership grounded in shared values and mutual development goals, an ethos strongly reflected throughout the workshop.

Welcoming participants to Strathmore University, Dr. Vincent Ogutu, Vice Chancellor, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to impactful collaboration with the European Union. Drawing on Strathmore’s experience with successful EU-supported initiatives, he emphasised the importance of building a robust ecosystem for research and innovation through partnerships and capacity building.

“We must intentionally create collaborative ecosystems that foster excellence and deliver practical outcomes. Our research should always make a change in society and solve industry and community problems,” said Dr. Ogutu. He added that the Horizon Europe–Africa Initiative presents an opportunity to strengthen intra-African scientific cooperation through joint initiatives, expanded networks, and wider participation across the continent. While acknowledging that this ambition requires sustained dedication and skills development, he welcomed the workshop as a critical step in that journey.

A panel session on funding opportunities from EU member states featuring (from left) Prof. Izael Da Silva, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research and Innovation, Prof. Fabio Santoni, Scientific Attache, Embassy of Italy in Nairobi. Prof. Dickson Andala, CEO National Research Fund and Dr. Benoit Hazard, Director, Africa Regional Office, French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)

Ondrej Simek, Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union to Kenya, underscored the centrality of people-to-people partnerships in driving long-term impact. He noted that EU collaboration with universities, vocational training institutions, and research centres has enabled hundreds of Kenyan students and researchers to pursue studies and professional development opportunities in Europe through programmes such as Erasmus+ and various bilateral scholarship schemes. Complementing these efforts, the Horizon Europe programme continues to support cutting-edge research and innovation through international collaboration.

“This joint effort supports not only Kenya’s research and innovation agenda but also contributes to broader regional and global research initiatives,” said Mr. Simek. He emphasised that Horizon Europe calls are closely aligned with the African Union–European Union agenda, advancing shared priorities and actively encouraging African participation alongside European partners. This, he noted, opens new pathways for universities, research and innovation institutions, and multi-country consortia across the continent.

Describing Kenya as a regional hub for research and innovation, Mr. Simek stressed that strengthened collaboration would be critical in positioning Kenyan institutions competitively on the global research stage. He expressed optimism that such partnerships could help generate solutions to pressing challenges facing both the region and the world, including climate change and access to healthcare.

Echoing these sentiments, Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, lauded the collaboration as a vital catalyst for strengthening synergies across Kenya’s science and innovation landscape. He highlighted the need to ensure that research outputs from the country’s more than 80 universities and 17 research institutions translate into tangible economic value.

“We need to work together to ensure that research drives economic development and job creation,” said Prof. Shaukat. He posed a critical question to participants. How can science, research, and innovation be effectively translated into policy and social benefit? For him, the answer lies in better communication of research outcomes, stronger technology transfer mechanisms and deliberate investment in human capital and emerging technologies.

The workshop also featured a panel session, testimonial presentations highlighting key insights and best practices for successful EU grant writing, and detailed presentations on funding opportunities offered by EU Member States.

By the close of the forum, it was clear that the future of research and innovation in Kenya, and, more broadly, in Africa, will be shaped by collaboration, openness, and the courage to think beyond borders.

Article written by Stephen Wakhu.