National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has challenged universities across Kenya to increase their investment in research, innovation and skills development, saying institutions of higher learning have a major responsibility to contribute to the country's economic transformation.

Mbadi made the remarks on Thursday, November 5, 2026, during the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Adventist University of Africa (AUA) in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County. He said universities should go beyond offering academic qualifications and focus on producing knowledge, developing new technologies and finding practical solutions to challenges affecting society.According to the Cabinet Secretary, Kenya's ambition of becoming a high-income economy by 2063 will largely depend on the country's ability to strengthen its education system and equip young people with the skills required in an increasingly competitive global economy.

He explained that research should become a central part of university education because it provides opportunities for institutions to discover new solutions, improve public services and support industrial development.He noted that universities have the responsibility of preparing professionals who can address challenges facing Kenya and other African countries.

The CS identified research as an important tool in improving public health, strengthening governance, supporting agriculture, developing industries and promoting technological advancement.

He challenged universities to work closely with the government and private sector to ensure that research conducted in learning institutions translates into practical solutions that benefit ordinary citizens.

According to Mbadi, Kenya needs institutions capable of producing researchers, engineers, doctors, data scientists, entrepreneurs, teachers and other professionals who can contribute to national development.He explained that sound research would help the government anticipate challenges, make informed decisions and develop effective policies rather than waiting for problems to become serious before responding.

Kenya's Ambition to Become a High-Income Economy by 2063

Mbadi linked his message to Kenya's long-term ambition of becoming a high-income economy by 2063.

He said the country's success would depend on how effectively it invests in its people and creates an environment where knowledge can be transformed into economic opportunities.

The Cabinet Secretary explained that Kenya requires a development strategy that focuses on economic transformation, human development, digital advancement, environmental sustainability and strong institutions.Mbadi said Kenya must prepare its young population to take advantage of opportunities emerging in technology, manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare and other important sectors.

He also warned that Africa's growing working-age population could become a challenge if governments and educational institutions fail to provide young people with relevant skills.

He pointed to projections indicating that sub-Saharan Africa's working-age population could increase by more than 620 million people between 2025 and 2050.

He argued that this growing population presents an opportunity for economic growth, provided that young people receive proper education, training and employment opportunities.During his address, Mbadi outlined five important areas where universities should contribute to Kenya's economic and social development.

First, he said universities should focus on developing high-level skills by producing professionals who can compete in the modern employment market.

He explained that Kenya needs qualified doctors, nurses, engineers, public health experts, teachers, software developers, data scientists, managers and entrepreneurs.

Second, universities should generate research that informs government policies and decision-making.

He said research findings can help the government understand challenges affecting different sectors and identify effective ways of addressing them.

Third, he encouraged institutions to support innovation and the digital economy by preparing students to work with emerging technologies.The project is expected to provide students and researchers with modern facilities that support practical learning and scientific discoveries.

Mbadi's commitment to seek government assistance is significant because establishing advanced research facilities requires substantial financial resources, specialised equipment and technical expertise.

The proposed complex could also strengthen collaboration between the university, government agencies, technology companies and other research institutions.

However, the proposed government support will depend on the supplementary budget process and the necessary consultationsThe Adventist University of Africa used its 20th anniversary celebrations to highlight its achievements and outline its plans for the future.

The institution, which was established in 2006, is a postgraduate university owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church and serves students from different African countries.

Its programmes include theology, public health, leadership, management and computer science.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Ademola Stephen Tayo said the university was working towards strengthening its academic and technological capacity to respond to the changing demands of higher education.

He explained that the proposed Science and Technology Complex would play an important role in supporting the institution's future research and learning programmes.Tayo also highlighted the importance of digital infrastructure as the university prepares to expand its online learning programmes following provisional approval from the Commission for University Education.

He said online education requires more than the availability of internet connections. It needs reliable digital infrastructure, modern laboratories, smart classrooms, secure learning platforms and qualified technical personnel.

He described the proposed complex as an important foundation for the university's next phase of development.

The university believes that strengthening its technological facilities will help improve the quality of education and create more opportunities for students across Africa.They include a scholarship endowment fund, residential apartments for faculty and staff, a wellness centre and a sports complex.

The proposed scholarship endowment is particularly important because it aims to support students who qualify for postgraduate studies but face financial difficulties.

The initiative is expected to benefit women and qualified candidates from underserved regions who may struggle to finance advanced education.

Professor Tayo appealed to the government, the church, development partners, alumni and other benefactors to support the university's development plans.

He also promised that resources received for the projects would be managed transparently, with accountability on expenditure and implementation progress.He explained that the government has identified nine important value chains that require increased investment, technology and skilled professionals.

These include leather, cotton, dairy, edible oils, tea, rice, the blue economy, natural resources and building materials.

He said universities should help identify ways of improving production, processing and manufacturing within these sectors.

For example, research in the dairy industry could help farmers improve productivity, reduce production costs and increase the quality of milk products.

In the leather industry, universities could contribute through research into modern processing technologies and improved manufacturing methods.

Research in the agricultural sector could also help farmers address challenges associated with climate change, diseases, poor productivity and post-harvest losses.Focus on Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies

The Treasury CS also highlighted the importance of preparing Kenyan students for emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data centres.

He said technological developments are changing how businesses operate, how governments deliver services and how people access information.

He noted that Kenya must develop a skilled workforce capable of designing, building and managing modern technological systems.

He encouraged universities to strengthen computer science programmes and introduce training opportunities that respond to the growing demand for technology professionals.

The proposed Science and Technology Complex at AUA is expected to contribute to this objective through its planned artificial intelligence, advanced computing, data science and cybersecurity laboratories.Such facilities could provide students with opportunities to acquire practical skills and participate in research that supports technological development.

The government has also identified the Digital Superhighway and Creative Industry as important pillars of its economic agenda.

Mbadi said universities should position themselves to support these ambitions by producing professionals who can contribute to the country's digital transformation.Education Investment and Kenya's Development Agenda

Mbadi further connected university research and innovation to the government's broader investment in education.

He noted that education is central to the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda because it helps develop the human resources required to drive economic growth.

He also highlighted the proposed allocation of approximately KSh922 billion to education in the KSh3.56 trillion national budget for the 2027/2028 financial year.

The allocation represents approximately 25.9 per cent of the proposed budget, demonstrating the importance placed on education in the government's development priorities.

He said investing in education should not only focus on increasing the number of graduates but also ensuring that graduates possess relevant knowledge and skills.He challenged leaders to regard public office as a responsibility and ensure that public money is used for the intended purposes.

He observed that resources lost through corruption and wastage deny citizens important services, including education, healthcare and infrastructure.

His remarks highlighted the relationship between research, education, ethical leadership and national development.

He maintained that universities have a responsibility to nurture professionals and leaders who understand the importance of integrity and public service.