Preparations for the National Research Festival 2025 at Egerton University received a boost on Tuesday following a visit by Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, the Principal Secretary for Science, Research, and Innovation in the State Department under the Ministry of Education.
Prof. Shaukat, an accomplished scholar and former Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension at Egerton University, was warmly received by Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaac Kibwage.
The festival, set for 18–22 August 2025, is expected to bring together researchers, innovators, policy makers, and industry players from across the country to showcase and discuss cutting-edge research and innovations that address national and global challenges.
During the visit, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Research Fund (NRF), Dr. Dickson Andala, took the PS through the detailed preparations. He highlighted the readiness of various venues, the logistics in place for hosting thousands of delegates, and the collaborative role of the National Steering Committee and the Local Organising Committee in ensuring the event’s success.
Prof. Shaukat expressed pride in Egerton University’s commitment to hosting the festival. “This is my alma mater. I am proud of the planning and management. Everything looks ready, and I have seen different sections,” he said.
The PS toured key facilities, including exhibition spaces, plenary halls, and laboratories that will be central to the festival’s activities.
He commended the university for laying strong systems and allocating resources towards making the event impactful. “This festival is more than a conference; it is a national platform for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and networking. It will inspire young researchers and provide visibility for Kenya’s innovation ecosystem,” he noted.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Kibwage thanked the PS for his visit and reaffirmed Egerton’s readiness. “We are honoured to host this prestigious event and contribute to advancing research and innovation in Kenya,” he said.
The National Research Festival will feature exhibitions, keynote speeches, panel discussions, and competitions across various research fields, with a focus on agriculture, technology, health, environment, and socio-economic development.
NRF Festival under the leadership of Dr Andala will also provide opportunities for students, early-career researchers, and entrepreneurs to interact with established scholars and investors.
Prof. Shaukat’s strong endorsement of Egerton University’s preparedness, set the tone for an engaging and successful festival that will cement the institution’s role as a hub for research and innovation in the country.
