The Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) is a state corporation established to spearhead and coordinate the development of Kenya’s national innovation system. Operating within the framework of the Ministry of Education and in alignment with the Science, Technology and Innovation Act, the Agency plays a central role in catalysing innovation-driven growth, supporting commercialization of research, and strengthening linkages between academia, industry, and government.
As Kenya continues to position itself as a regional innovation hub and a knowledge-based economy, governance of the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) ecosystem remains critical. Effective oversight, strategic direction, and policy guidance are necessary to accelerate research uptake, foster start-up development, enhance commercialization systems, and mobilise sustainable resources for innovation.
To strengthen its governance structure and strategic oversight capacity, KeNIA invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals for appointment as Board Members. Four (4) positions are available on a contract basis.
This opportunity is suited for accomplished professionals with advanced academic credentials and demonstrated experience in Science, Technology and Innovation. The appointments are intended to enhance the Board’s capacity to provide policy direction, institutional oversight, and strategic leadership in advancing Kenya’s national innovation agenda.
Position Title: Board Member
Number of Posts: Four (4)
Terms of Service: Contract
Overview of the Role
The Board of the Kenya National Innovation Agency serves as the principal policy and oversight organ of the Agency. Board Members are responsible for providing strategic guidance, governance leadership, and fiduciary oversight to ensure that the Agency fulfills its statutory mandate effectively and efficiently.
The role requires high-level strategic thinking, integrity, independence of judgment, and a strong understanding of Kenya’s Science, Technology and Innovation landscape. Successful candidates will be expected to contribute to the development, strengthening, and sustainability of the national innovation system.
Detailed Job Description
- Strategic Governance and Policy Direction
Board Members shall participate in the formulation, review, and approval of strategic plans, policies, and frameworks that guide the operations of the Agency. This includes contributing to long-term institutional visioning, reviewing strategic objectives, and ensuring alignment with national development priorities such as industrialization, digital transformation, research commercialization, and knowledge economy growth.
They will support the development of policies that enhance innovation ecosystems, facilitate collaboration between research institutions and industry, and promote technology transfer mechanisms. The role requires an understanding of macro-level policy environments and the ability to translate national innovation priorities into actionable institutional strategies.
- Oversight of Science, Technology and Innovation Systems
Board Members will provide oversight over the implementation of programmes and initiatives designed to strengthen the Science, Technology and Innovation system in Kenya. This includes monitoring performance indicators related to innovation capacity building, incubation and acceleration frameworks, intellectual property utilization, and commercialization pipelines.
The role demands the ability to interrogate management reports, evaluate impact metrics, and ensure accountability in programme implementation. Board Members must be capable of assessing systemic gaps within the STI ecosystem and recommending corrective strategic interventions.
- Institutional Governance and Compliance
Board Members are responsible for ensuring that the Agency operates within the legal and regulatory frameworks governing public institutions in Kenya. This includes compliance with statutory requirements, adherence to corporate governance principles, and alignment with Chapter Six of the Constitution on leadership and integrity.
They will contribute to the development of governance policies, risk management frameworks, and internal control systems that safeguard institutional assets and enhance operational transparency. Oversight of ethical standards and institutional integrity will form a central part of their governance mandate.
- Financial Oversight and Resource Mobilisation
The Board is tasked with overseeing the financial sustainability of the Agency. Board Members will review and approve annual budgets, financial statements, and resource mobilisation strategies. They will ensure prudent financial management, compliance with public finance management standards, and optimal utilization of allocated resources.
Individuals with knowledge in resource mobilisation and management will be particularly valuable in guiding the Agency in diversifying funding sources, building partnerships with development agencies, and leveraging private sector participation in innovation financing.
- Strengthening Commercialisation and Innovation Pathways
The commercialization of research outputs remains a critical pillar in advancing Kenya’s innovation competitiveness. Board Members will guide the Agency in developing systems that enhance the translation of research findings into market-ready products and services.
This includes oversight of frameworks that support technology transfer offices, intellectual property management, incubation hubs, start-up accelerators, and innovation funds. Expertise in commercialization systems will contribute to strengthening linkages between research institutions, entrepreneurs, and investors.
- Start-Up Ecosystem Development
Kenya’s start-up ecosystem continues to evolve as a driver of job creation and technological advancement. Board Members will provide strategic insight into ecosystem development strategies that enhance entrepreneurial capacity, digital innovation, and inclusive growth.
Experience in start-up ecosystem development will enable the Board to shape policies that foster incubation programmes, venture capital engagement, regulatory support for innovation enterprises, and integration of local start-ups into global value chains.
- Legal, Regulatory and Policy Advisory
Given the evolving nature of technology and innovation, legal and regulatory frameworks must continuously adapt to emerging trends. Board Members with expertise in legal regulatory and policy environments will support the Agency in navigating intellectual property rights, data protection considerations, research ethics, and innovation policy reforms.
They will contribute to the review and enhancement of policy instruments that create an enabling environment for research, experimentation, and commercialization while ensuring compliance with national and international standards.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Partnerships
The Board will support the Agency in strengthening collaborations with universities, research institutions, industry players, development partners, and government agencies. Board Members will provide guidance on building multi-sectoral partnerships that enhance knowledge exchange and resource pooling.
They will also support engagement strategies aimed at positioning Kenya as a competitive innovation destination within the region and globally.
- Monitoring, Evaluation and Impact Assessment
Board Members will oversee monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure that the Agency’s initiatives deliver measurable impact. This includes reviewing performance dashboards, assessing return on innovation investments, and ensuring continuous improvement in programme delivery.
A strong understanding of impact measurement in innovation systems will enable Board Members to guide data-driven decision-making processes.
Requirements for Appointment
For appointment to this position, a person must:
Hold at least a Master’s Degree from a university recognized in Kenya.
Have demonstrated knowledge and experience in matters related to Science, Technology and Innovation.
Be a person of high moral character and integrity in accordance with Chapter Six of the Constitution.
Be capable of contributing to development of the Science, Technology and Innovation system in Kenya.
Added Advantage
Knowledge and demonstrated experience in any of the following Science, Technology and Innovation areas will be considered an added advantage:
Start-Up Ecosystem Development;
Commercialisation Systems;
Legal Regulatory and Policy Environments; or
Resource Mobilisation and Management.
Professional Attributes
The ideal candidates will demonstrate:
Strategic thinking and policy analysis capability.
Strong governance and fiduciary oversight capacity.
High standards of ethical conduct and accountability.
Ability to operate independently while contributing to collective Board decisions.
Capacity to analyse complex technical and financial information.
Commitment to strengthening Kenya’s innovation competitiveness.
Contribution to Kenya’s Innovation Ecosystem
Board Members will play a vital role in shaping the trajectory of Kenya’s Science, Technology and Innovation ecosystem. Their strategic oversight will influence the commercialization of research, development of technology enterprises, policy reforms, and sustainable financing mechanisms for innovation.
Through effective governance and policy stewardship, the Board will support the transformation of Kenya into a knowledge-driven economy anchored on research excellence, technological advancement, and entrepreneurial dynamism.
Application Process
Qualified and interested candidates are invited to submit their applications on or before 17 March 2026. Applications should be prepared in accordance with the prescribed requirements and submitted through the designated recruitment platform.
