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Investment Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano EGH has emphasized the pivotal role of innovation in driving economic growth during her address at the University of Nairobi. She highlighted Kenya’s leading position in Africa’s startup funding landscape, with Kenyan startups securing approximately $673.78 million from both local and international investors in 2023.
Returning to her alma mater for the inauguration of the annual Nairobi Innovation Week, Secretary Miano expressed pleasure, noting the event’s significance in fortifying the innovation ecosystem. The Nairobi Innovation Week serves as a vital platform for fostering collaboration between government, industry, academia, and the community, ultimately promoting inclusive and sustainable development.
Secretary Miano underscored the importance of innovation as the engine behind industrial breakthroughs, aligning with Kenya Kwanza’s agenda. She emphasized its role in attracting investment, enhancing the manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP, doubling exports, fostering a favorable business environment, and nurturing entrepreneurship, particularly among the youth, to spur job creation and economic growth.
“As a staunch advocate for Kenya’s progress,” Secretary Miano committed her Ministry’s full support to propel Kenya towards its vision of becoming a rapidly industrializing middle-income nation.
Secretary Miano’s remarks underscore the government’s commitment to leveraging innovation as a catalyst for economic transformation, highlighting the integral role of collaboration and investment in driving Kenya’s development agenda.