My critique stems from a belief that knowledge uplifts society. Yet, in a land of vibrant agriculture and fintech, firms like Safaricom or Equity Bank shun research due to cost or risk, leaving us reactive, not proactive. Imagine them studying digital inclusion or youth unemployment. The data would drive homegrown solutions, especially for Gen Z, who demand jobs and affordability on X with hashtags like #RejectFinanceBill2024.
How can private-sector
research benefit both Gen Z and businesses? Gen Z, tech-savvy and restless, are
a goldmine. Safaricom studying their mobile habits could craft savings apps,
boosting profits and youth agency. Twiga Foods researching food chains could employ
Gen Z, cutting costs. Globally, Pfizer’s $2 billion (about Sh257 billion)
vaccine investment yielded billions while saving lives. Kenya’s firms could
mirror this.
A one per cent R&D
spend (from the current 0.3 per cent) could boost GDP by $1.2–1.5 billion, or
1.1–1.4 per cent, building schools and quelling unrest.
How can the informal sector contribute? Jua kali artisans and matatu crews are data goldmines. Vendors track sales, farmers feel climate shifts. In Nigeria, fishers aided Shell’s studies; in Kenya, matatus could map commuter trends. Micro-grants of Sh50,000 via M-Pesa or fee rebates could unlock this. South Africa’s cooperatives saw 15 per cent growth, Nairobi’s hawkers could prototype packaging, aiding Gen Z.
What incentives work? US-type 20 per cent tax credits could fund Safaricom’s studies, offset by future taxes. Matching grants, like in South Korea’s $3 billion grants, could double matatu research pot. Subsidised 2–3 per cent interest loans could back Kenya Power’s solar projects. For informal workers, Mexico’s vendor training model (CONACYT) bridges capacity gaps.
The Treasury, strapped by 70 per cent debt-to-GDP, could start small: Sh50 billion in incentives, recouped as GDP climbs.
How to avoid abuse? To curb fraud risks, demand
clear criteria such as number of jobs created. Stipulate phased payouts, and 10
per cent penalties for defaulters. Kippra could monitor like South Korea’s
KEIT, with Gen Z flagging cheats on X. Digital tracking via USSD, as Estonia
pilots, could lock funds to outcomes. KRA gains from new taxpayers, and
government from stability.
As a theorist, I see this as justice. Gen Z deserves a private sector investing in their future. Firms gain markets; government, revenue; KRA, a wider net. From Pfizer to Tata, research transforms nations. Kenya’s formal and informal sectors can follow, with incentives.
