Kenya Reaffirms Strong Partnership as ICIPE Unveils Vision for Africa’s Bio-Economy
Principal Secretary State Department for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Korir SingOei, has today presided over the launch of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) Vision and Strategy 2026-2023 at ICIPE Headquarters in Nairobi.
The launch which brought together Director General and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Abdou Tenkouano, Governing Council members, scientists and international partners is part of the institution’s Science Week themed ‘Impacting Nature and Society.’
PS SingOei welcomed the new strategic blueprint, noting its strong focus on addressing key challenges in human, animal, plant, and environmental health through enhanced scientific innovation and integrated solutions.
He highlighted how ICIPEs innovations, such as the nature-based Push-Pull technology that boosts yields and combats invasive pests like stem-borers and Striga, continue to empower smallholder farmers.
“Today, ICIPE stands as a beacon of scientific excellence in Africa, with the ability to translate scientific discoveries into practical solutions capable of addressing critical challenges including climate risks, biodiversity loss, poverty, hunger, and unemployment through innovative insect-based science” said the PS.
Dr. Sing’Oei praised the Centres eco-friendly pest management solutions and the use of technology in addressing Kenya’s national development efforts including programs such as the Kenya Climate-Smart Agriculture Project (KCSAP) and the National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP), the Agricultural Sector Development Support Programme (ASDSP), and the Eastern Africa Agricultural Productivity Project (EAAPP).
Calling for deeper collaboration to unlock the full potential of Africa’s bio-economy, Dr. Sing0ei appealed for enhanced technical financing, stronger public-private investment, joint research programmes and increased youth participation in scientific entrepreneurship and innovation.
The PS emphasized that the success of the country’s sustainable growth continues to depend on how boldly institutions, government and the private sector invest in knowledge-driven development.
“The Government of Kenya stands ready to deepen its partnership with ICIPE to nurture the next generation of African innovators and accelerate home-grown, science-led development. Kenya remains committed to strengthening collaboration with ICIPE to support its mandate both locally and across the continent said Dr. SingOei.
The launch of ICIPE’s Vision and Strategy 2026-2030 offers a timely roadmap for advancing Africa’s development priorities through cutting-edge science, innovation and partnerships, and aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), African Union (AU) Agenda 2063, and H.E. the President’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).