Kenya is heading into a period of heightened economic strain driven by global instability, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has warned, urging citizens to prepare for what he described as unavoidable short-term pain.
Speaking at the closing of the Science, Technology, Research and Innovation Week in Nairobi at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Mudavadi said rising fuel prices, geopolitical tensions, and lingering aftershocks from recent global crises are already feeding into inflation and economic pressure at home.
“In the recent past humanity has been affected due to what is going on globally, affecting economies, livelihoods and destabilising societies,” he said. “Kenyans must realise that it is not going to be like instant coffee to fix some of the challenges we are facing now.”
He warned that the next few months may not bring relief, pointing to the Middle East conflict and its impact on global oil markets as a key concern. “It might not be business as usual in the next three or four months,” he added, noting that rising fuel costs are already pushing up transport and production expenses.
Mudavadi said the combined effect of these shocks is being felt in households and workplaces, with inflation and job insecurity becoming more pronounced. He urged Kenyans to avoid blame games and instead focus on collective solutions.
The remarks come at a time when governments across the world are still grappling with economic disruptions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, both of which continue to influence supply chains and commodity prices.
Kenya, he said, must respond by strengthening innovation and research. He pointed to science and technology as central to cushioning the economy against external shocks, adding that knowledge must move beyond research institutions into communities, industry, and policy.
“The task before us now is to build upon these possibilities deliberately and at scale to drive national growth and shared prosperity,” he said.
Mudavadi, who also serves as Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, noted that the government plans to increase funding for research, science and innovation to about 2 per cent of GDP. He added that a new State Department for Science, Research and Innovation is expected to improve coordination and ensure research informs policy more effectively.
He also referenced President William Ruto’s focus on science and innovation as part of the country’s long-term economic strategy.
The event was organised under the Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary, bringing together policymakers, researchers and development partners, including support from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
As global uncertainty persists, Mudavadi’s message underscored a familiar warning: Kenya’s economy remains closely tied to forces far beyond its borders, and the coming months may test its resilience further.
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