Kenya Biosciences Landscape Mapping Study

About the Project 

The Kenya Biosciences Landscape Mapping Study was undertaken to develop a comprehensive understanding of Kenya's rapidly evolving biosciences ecosystem and identify strategic opportunities for strengthening research translation, innovation commercialisation, investment, and policy development. Recognising the growing importance of biosciences in advancing healthcare, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, and environmental sustainability, the study generated evidence to inform long-term ecosystem strengthening and bioeconomy development. 

Implemented by IPE Global Africa in partnership with the University of Nairobi, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the study combined extensive desk research, stakeholder consultations, ecosystem mapping, and validation workshops to assess Kenya's biosciences landscape. The assessment examined the country's research institutions, innovation ecosystem, financing mechanisms, regulatory environment, infrastructure, talent pipeline, and private sector participation across multiple bioscience domains. 

Beyond identifying ecosystem strengths and challenges, the initiative generated actionable recommendations to improve collaboration between academia, industry, government, and investors. The findings contributed to evidence-based policy dialogue and informed the development of Kenya's National Bioeconomy Strategy. By strengthening the enabling environment for bioscience innovation, the initiative aims to accelerate the commercialisation of research, attract greater investment, and position Kenya as a regional leader in bioscience-driven economic development. 

Partners 

Funding Partner - Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)  

Implementation Partners - IPE Global Africa | University of Nairobi  

Knowledge Partners - University of Nairobi | National biosciences ecosystem stakeholders | Academic and research institutions  

Government Partners - State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, Government of Kenya | Relevant Government Ministries and Agencies 

Technical Partners - National and international bioscience experts | Innovation ecosystem organisations | Industry representatives  

Outcomes & Impact 

Quantitative Impact 

• Comprehensive national biosciences ecosystem assessment completed.  
• Extensive stakeholder consultations conducted across academia, government, industry, investors, and development partners.  
• Multi-stakeholder validation workshop organised to refine study findings.  
• Technical Write-Shop facilitated to support the development of Kenya's National Bioeconomy Strategy.  

Qualitative Impact 

• Identified strategic opportunities to strengthen Kenya's biosciences ecosystem across healthcare, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, and the broader bioeconomy.  
• Generated evidence-based recommendations to improve research commercialisation, investment readiness, and innovation financing.  
• Strengthened collaboration between government, academia, private sector, investors, and development partners.  
• Contributed to the formulation of Kenya's National Bioeconomy Strategy by providing validated evidence and actionable policy recommendations.  
• Established a stronger foundation for future investments in bioscience innovation and ecosystem development.