Innovation
Unleashing Kenya ’ s Innovation Potential Through NGO And Business Collaboration
By Corazon Sefu Wandimi
In the growing quest to unleash Africa ’ s innovation potential , particularly where national development is concerned , trust is the unequivocal linchpin determining the kind of future the continent will embrace - or not .
Non-governmental organizations ( NGOs ) have long been the arbiters of trust and truth in unveiling society ’ s blind spots . From calling out corruption within politics or governments , to defending human rights and our access to justice - NGOs are key enablers of Africa ’ s progress and sustainable development . They play a central role in advancing access to equitable , quality education and healthcare and deepen civil society ’ s impact in nation-building initiatives and structures . NGOs aid in empowering populations who would otherwise be left behind by systems that are overburdened and underfunded .
It is little wonder then that they came out as being the most trusted institution in Kenya according to the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer Kenya report - as Kenyans look to them to spearhead the critical charge of integrating innovation into society . A resounding 76 % of Kenyans trusted NGOs with this task - putting them ahead of business ( 70 %), media ( 66 %), and government ( 47 %).
This is especially important , as Science , technology , and innovation ( STI ) are widely recognised as being the key enablers of creating a prosperous Kenya , and importantly , in advancing the country ’ s long-term national plan , Kenya Vision 2030 .
However , we know that the vision to transform Kenya into a “ newly industrializing , middle-income country providing a high quality of life to all citizens by 2030 ” - is going to need a lot more collaboration across sectors and brands to come to life .
Bring in Business
Building trust in innovation is critical and failing to do so can lead to skepticism , resistance , and missed opportunities for progress . It ' s imperative that we not only innovate but also communicate effectively , ensuring that advancements are understood , accessible , and aligned with the needs of Kenyans .
As humanitarian and development needs continue to rise in Kenya , and as constrained government funding and investment gaps persist , it is up to trusted sectors to unite and act for change . The need for businesses to collaborate with other stakeholders , and for science to integrate with society through dialogue and engagement is both palpable and urgent .
It is reflected in the 72 % of Kenyans who say that if business partners with government , they will trust it more with technology-led changes . Africa is grappling with fast-paced changes and developments led by innovations such as Artificial Intelligence ( AI ), green energy , and GMO foods - with each having a direct consequence on key sectors that grow the economy , and address pressing energy and food security needs .
However , the successful implementation of such innovations needs a nuanced understanding and approach - considering Kenya ’ s social , cultural , political and economic landscape , lest they be rejected . This is evidenced by 65 % of Kenyans who say that they reject the growing use of GMO foods , while the same percentage embraces green energy .
When it comes to the acceptance of innovation , the voices of technical experts , experts , and academics are critical and must be used in managing the introduction of new technologies . Creating a balance that combines NGOs bringing their depth of community insights , reach and trust , paired with
businesses ’ resources and scalability will go a long way in advancing innovation acceptance and progress at all levels .
Taking a stand
Beyond creating partnerships for change , CEOs are increasingly expected to also take a stand on emerging ethical concerns . According to the latest Edelman Trust Barometer special report : Brands and Politics , in the face of political pressure , 71 % of respondents globally said they expected brands to take a position . And when a brand does not communicate its actions on societal issues , a majority believe that the brand is doing nothing or hiding something ( 51 %). The need for brands to take a stance on political and societal issues can be extrapolated to CEOs and NGO leaders .
As trusted and key enablers of development and growth in society , addressing any ethical concerns on the implementation of innovation as well as the benefits and risks for Kenyans is pivotal for both civil society and private sector leaders . Kenyans want to feel in control of how innovation affects their lives , the more they do , the more likely it is that they will embrace it .
Restoring trust in the promise of innovation necessitates prioritizing its implementation as much as the innovation itself . This means that creating an environment for business to partner for change ; integrating science with society ; and giving people control over how innovation impacts their future all act as levers in unlocking innovation ’ s potential and impact . In the face of economic and political volatility , innovation is precisely what is needed for stability and progress in Kenya .
Corazon Sefu Wandimi is the Managing Director of Edelman Kenya . You can commune with her on this or related issues via email at : Corazon . Sefu @ edelman . com
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