Kenya has demonstrated remarkable progress in the global innovation landscape as evidenced by its recent advancement in the 2024 Global Innovation Rankings published by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).
The country has climbed to the 96th position worldwide, up from its previous rank of 100. In the Sub-Saharan region, Kenya secured the sixth spot, following Mauritius, South Africa, Botswana, Cabo Verde, and Senegal. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given that Kenya’s overall score of 21.00 points represented a slight decrease from the previous year’s 21.24 points. Nevertheless, this score was sufficient to propel the country forward in the rankings. The Global Innovation Rankings, which evaluate approximately 130 economies, provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of various innovation ecosystems.
Kenya’s progress is most evident in its innovation outputs, particularly in the areas of knowledge and technology. This improvement reflects the country’s dedicated efforts to enhance its innovation landscape. Among its East African counterparts, Kenya emerged as the leader, followed by Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. On the global stage, Switzerland maintained its position as the world’s most innovative country with a score of 67.5 points. Other top-ranking nations included Sweden, the United States, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Korea, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark. In contrast, countries such as Burundi, Mozambique, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Mali, Niger, and Angola were positioned at the lower end of the rankings.
This positive development aligns with President William Ruto’s recent commitment to creating a favourable environment for innovation in Kenya. During the Innovation Challenge and Awards ceremony held in Nairobi in March, President Ruto emphasized the government’s dedication to nurturing innovative mindsets across various sectors. He highlighted several key initiatives that have been instrumental in supporting innovative ideas and ventures, including the Presidential Innovation Challenge and Award, the Hustler Fund, the Youth Enterprise Fund, and the Women Fund. The Ruto administration has been proactive in implementing policies and programs aimed at boosting innovation.
The Presidential Innovation Challenge and Award has provided a platform for young innovators to showcase their talents and receive recognition and support. Concurrently, the Hustler Fund has played a crucial role in offering financial assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to scale their operations and contribute to the country’s innovation ecosystem. Furthermore, the Youth Enterprise Fund and the Women Fund have been instrumental in empowering young people and women by providing them with the necessary resources to pursue their innovative ideas. These initiatives have not only fostered a culture of innovation but have also contributed to job creation and economic growth.
