Dr David Ngugi has been appointed Acting Director-General of the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), effective May 1.
Ngugi succeeds Prof Walter Oyawa, who served in the role since May 2020.
As Acting DG, Dr Ngugi will lead NACOSTI's regulatory and advisory functions within Kenya's science, technology, and innovation (STI) sector.
His focus will include aligning STI policies with national and international development goals, coordinating stakeholders, and advising national and county governments on STI policy and resource allocation.
Key responsibilities for Ngugi include facilitating the implementation and funding of priority research programs (with the National Innovation Agency and National Research Fund), overseeing the quality of STI initiatives in institutions, and managing the registration and accreditation of research projects and institutions.
Prior to this appointment, Dr Ngugi was NACOSTI's Director of Advisory, Standards, and Licensing.
NACOSTI's mandate is to regulate, assure quality, and provide policy advice in Kenya's research, science, technology, and innovation sectors.