Kenya to host 2020 Next Einstein Forum Global Gathering in Nairobi

The Kenyan government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Next Einstein Forum (NEF) to host the 2020 edition of the NEF Global Gathering in Nairobi.

Commenting in a statement on Saturday (1 September), Kenya’s Cabinet secretary for Education Amina Mohamed said the Kenyan government recognises that Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Stem) are the key drivers of international growth.

“We are therefore focused on nurturing a young crop of innovators, engineers and scientists who will drive our industrialisation agenda forward,” said Mohamed (pictured above, right).

‘We expect 2500 delegates for the 2020 edition in Kenya,’ – Thierry Zomahoun, Aims president and CEO, as well as NEF Chair

The initiative is run by the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (Aims) in partnership with the Robert Bosch Stiftung. Thierry Zomahoun — Aims president and CEO, as well as NEF Chair — said in the same statement that Kenya is a strategic location for the organisation because it provides an ideal environment for the intersection of academia and innovation.

“A strong innovation ecosystem requires a strong link between academia and the private sector. In this regard, Kenya is ahead of the curve and we look forward to incorporating the ecosystem approach in our programme and inviting the world of science to Africa,” added Zomahoun (pictured above, left).

Zomahoun also pointed out that this year’s NEF Global Gathering, which was held in Kigali, Rwanda in March, was the largest scientific event held in Africa with over 1500 people attending from 91 countries.

“We expect 2500 delegates for the 2020 edition in Kenya. We will host special events such as the NEF Innovation Salon where start-ups from all over Africa, and the world, will showcase their solutions, the Gender Summit Africa and an exciting Arts and Science Festival for all ages,” added Zomahoun.

NEF Global Gatherings include NEF Fellow Spotlight Sessions — TED Talk like events where Africa’s top scientists share their research and innovations — and live online discussions with special guests, as well as an exclusive Ministerial Meeting and the NEF’s signature continental innovation competition.

Featured image (left to right): Aims president and CEO, and NEF Chair Thierry Zomahoun and Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Education Amina Mohamed (Supplied)