Public sector institutions across East Africa are under growing pressure to respond to challenges such as digital change, climate risks and rising public expectations. However, many of these institutions still operate in rigid systems that hamper adaptation, adoption of new ideas or work across sectors.

A recent study by researchers at Strathmore University shows that building the capacity for innovation within the public sector is critical to improving government efficiency and service delivery.

The study draws on the Building Innovation Capabilities (BIC) programme, a collaborative initiative involving Strathmore University, the KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden) and the University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania). The programme brought together public sector officials from Kenya and Tanzania and ran between October 2024 and May 2025.

The BIC project team study comprised Strathmore University researchers Prof. Bernard Shibwabo, Eva Shayo, and Noela Shisiali, all from the School of Computing and Engineering Sciences.

The findings show that the structure of institutions is one of the biggest barriers to innovation in the public sector. Many organisations still follow strict procedures that leave little room for trying new approaches or solving problems in flexible ways.

“Public organisations often operate within systems that prioritise compliance over experimentation. While accountability remains critical, overly rigid processes can stifle adaptive problem-solving and delay necessary reforms,” the study observes.

Another challenge is that innovation is often not built into the system. Instead, it depends on individual efforts, which may not last.

“Without explicit mandates, innovation activities tend to remain peripheral rather than integrated into core organisational strategies,” the study notes.

The research also points to missed opportunities in collaboration. Universities have knowledge, research skills and access to young talent, but partnerships with public institutions are often not well structured or sustained.

“Formal mechanisms for collaboration are often weak or absent, despite the clear potential of co-creation models in addressing real institutional challenges,” the researchers observe.

Through the BIC programme, participants went through a structured learning process that combined training, peer learning and practical work. Each participant worked on a real project within their organisation, applying what they had learned to address actual institutional challenges.

Early results from the programme show encouraging progress. Some institutions developed internal innovation policies, improved digital systems and strengthened collaboration with universities.

Based on these experiences, the study proposes three main ways to strengthen innovation in the public sector.

First, governments and institutions should formally include innovation in their structures. This could involve setting up innovative units, assigning clear roles and tracking progress through performance systems.

Second, there is a need to build stronger and more structured partnerships between public institutions and universities. Working together on real challenges can help generate practical and lasting solutions.

Third, training programmes should go beyond theory and include practical work. The study shows that combining learning with real projects helps build confidence and leads to actual change within institutions.

“Participants reported increased confidence in applying innovation methodologies and greater openness to collaborative approaches,” the study notes.

However, the research warns that training alone is not enough. Without long-term support, clear policies and dedicated resources, many innovative efforts may not last.

The study concludes that for public sector innovation to succeed, it must become part of how institutions operate every day. This means putting in place clear systems, supporting collaboration and ensuring that innovation is backed by leadership and resources.

This research adds to ongoing discussions on how governments can better respond to complex challenges. It shows that with the right structures and partnerships, public institutions can become more flexible, responsive and effective in serving the society.

Strathmore University continues to engage in research that addresses societal challenges through evidence-based policy engagement. The University’s policy briefs are available through its institutional repository.

Article written by Otuma Ongalo.