Abstract:
This study explores political and economic factors and contexts that influence the work of the science granting council organisations in Kenya to support research activities and the promotion of science, technology and innovation (STI) and investment in the country. The STI Act of 2013 set up three new organizational bodies that regulate, promote and support STI activities including research activities in Kenya. Kenya has some of the highest rates of R&D investment in sub-Saharan Africa with a rate of 0.79% of gross domestic product (GDP) for R&D intensity. However, research funding can still be dominated by party politics.