Science, Technology, Innovation and Kenya's Diplomacy: "The Nexus"

Globally, the interaction between Science, Technology an Innovations is becoming more and more necessary for governments to tackle global challenges.Indeed, recent evidence from scholars point out the growing role of STI disciplines in promoting diplomacy.At the global level, countries such as USA and China have been on the forefront in utilizing STI.However, while progress for STI globally is taking shape, emerging challenges underscore the need to explore in detail the potential of STI in promoting diplomacy. Kenya has been establishing Science and Technology (S&T) institutions in the effort to develop and apply science and technology towards addressing the country's development priorities. Yet, STI Diplomacy is a nascent issue in Kenya. The aim of this study was to investigate the nexus between STI and diplomacy in Kenya, exploring key thematic areas including bilateral scientific cooperation, Research and Development initiatives and collaborations in green energy technology. The paper demonstrates that the nexus between STI and diplomacy can be advanced bilateral scientific cooperation, research and development, FDI, technological transfer and strategic partnerships, particularly in the health sector towards recent COVID-19pandemic, HIV-AIDS support and climate-agriculture.While these initiatives are key, there is still need for Kenya to provide a platform strategy to harness its own advancements in R&D, technology and innovations.The paper reflects on the need of an STI policy review, which has challenged the crucial role of STI and the opportunities for bilateral cooperation, attracting FDI and promote technology transfer.Conclusions are set, pointing out the importance of new models of STI.It recommends concrete STI policies that promote national interests, targeted funding and institutional support as well as new models of STI, including public-private partnerships and tapping diasporic communities as key actors that can advance the benefits of STI diplomacy.