SHARE HEIGHTS-IE (Higher Education Institutions Generating Holistic & Transferable Solutions – Innovation Ecosystems) Kenya, Final Report

This study presents evidence on how higher education institutions (HEIs) in Kenya engage in the AgriTech Innovation Ecosystem (ATIE) to inform the Higher Education Learning Agenda of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The research is part of a multicountry comparative study involving Kenya, Indonesia and the Philippines, which explores the following question: What lessons can be derived from analyzing the involvement of HEIs in LMICs in specific local and regional innovation ecosystems that could inform policies and strategies to enable LMIC HEIs to engage more effectively in and strengthen national and/or subnational innovation ecosystems? 

This study draws from the lessons derived by analyzing the involvement of HEIs (principally universities) in the ATIE to inform policies and strategies that enable their effective engagement and strengthening of the ATIE. Specifically, the study explores how HEIs can engage more effectively in and strengthen the ATIE in Kenya. The eight research questions are detailed in the key findings sub-section below.

Qualitative research methods were used to capture the relevant information from key stakeholders including representatives from HEIs (faculty, staff and students), the private sector, the civil society, national  and county government ministries, government agencies, entrepreneurs, and economic development agencies.