We are strengthening funding for science and innovation through the new Kenya National Research Fund, which prioritises research in health, agriculture, manufacturing and climate change. Furthermore, universities that align their research with national priorities will receive support to scale up their impact. Presided over the award of charter to AMREF International University in Kiambu County, which serves 3,800 learners from 32 countries, 70 per cent of them women, showing its commitment to advancing women’s leadership in health. Commended AMREF International University for its dedication to training healthcare professionals, and for inspiring other learning institutions to embrace innovation and stay close to the realities of the people they serve. The institution has proved that African challenges can be solved by African solutions.(William Samoei Ruto, PhD)