Uhuru’s Tough Order to CS Magoha

On Saturday morning, President Uhuru Kenyatta, directed Education CS, George Magoha, and Trade CS, Peter Munya, to waive trademark fees with respect to all innovations emanating from Young Scientists Exhibitions, beginning from 2018.

Uhuru directed the two to put in place a robust mechanism for securing scientific ideas, projects and innovations by the Kenyan youth.

“Further, and to encourage linkages with industry, I similarly direct a waiver of trademark fees with respect to all innovations emanating from Young Scientists Exhibitions, beginning from 2018,” the President announced.



Uhuru disclosed that his government is implementing the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) to keep up with the fast-changing world characterized by remarkable advances in science and technology, particularly in information, communication and computing.



“This system (CBC) goes beyond the learning of science and technology that typified the old order and instead lays emphasis on practical learning in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM),” Uhuru stated when he presided over the official opening of the second Young Scientists Kenya National and Technology Exhibition at KICC in Nairobi.



According to the president, the country’s future lies in scientific innovations. He also called for concerted efforts by all stakeholders to ensure that transformative innovations are adequately safeguarded.




To boost young innovators, the President announced plans to hold a national business Bootcamp within the next 9 months to refine viable innovations into commercial projects.

He also directed the Kenya Intellectual Property Rights Office to offer free patents to viable innovations generated during YSK exhibitions.





The President challenged young scientists to develop innovations aligned to the country's Big 4 and Vision 2030 development agenda whose aim is to transform the lives of ordinary Kenyans.



“Focus on cost-effective innovations for enhancing our food and nutrition security, housing, universal health care and manufacturing, will be highly appreciated,” he advised.

Young Scientist Kenya (YSK) which is a joint project by the ministry of education and the government of Ireland is aimed at promoting innovations by young scientists. This year's exhibition attracted 235 entries and is attended by over 45,000 participants among them students from across the country.