Research and innovation remain central in solving current challenges and a critical proposition for youth empowerment in Kenya. The Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala said this in a speech read by TU-K VC, Prof. Benedict Mutua during the Kenya National Research Festival 2024 stakeholders’ briefing. “It is recognised globally that research, science, technology, and innovation are essential for social and economic development. Most European and North America countries owe their development to intensive application of research findings.