University Education PS Simon Nabukwesi has called on varsities to focus on formulation of solution-oriented policies.
He said this can inform the government on economic matters and help overcome futuristic challenges.
The PS spoke during the opening of the fifth Cooperative University of Kenya annual conference on Tuesday.
Nabukwesi says policies developed should be resilient enough to stand the test of time, citing examples of the effects of Covid-19 on the economy.
He argues that research informs development strategies of any nation and Kenya is no exception.
"Nations that do not have their own research capacity struggle when faced by calamities and pandemics such as the one being experienced in the world," the PS said.
He termed Covid-19 as an eye-opener for researchers to develop solutions for their local problem.
“We have read about nations and more specifically African nations that are struggling with vaccine scarcity and literally begging from developed nations,"he said.
Nabukwesi says African nations and Kenya in particular need to build capacity and resources vital for providing solutions and predicting any challenges that may occur and mitigate them.
The conference this year is themed Social and Solidarity Economy as a catalyst for resilience, inclusivity and attainment of sustainable development goals.
The two-day conference ends on Wednesday.
The institution's main area of focus is research on cooperative societies and operations.
The PS called on the institution to contribute new knowledge on cooperatives and how Cooperatives can help us resolve societal challenges.
“I would like to see more research from faculty that focuses on how we can harness the greatness of Cooperatives, to contribute to the government's development agenda, including the Big Four,” Nabukwesi said.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
