SDSN-Kenya Launches Strategic Plan 2022-2026

The Sustainable Development Solutions Network- Kenya (SDSN-K) officially launched its Strategic Plan (2022-2026) on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at Manu Chandaria Auditorium, University of Nairobi.

SDSN-K is a part of the global UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UN SDSN) tasked with promoting solutions, policies and public education on SDGs implementation in Kenya. The goal is to mobilize knowledge centres to solve problems to do with SDGs practically.

UN SDSN saw it fit to establish SDSN-K at the Institute for Diplomacy and International Studies, University of Nairobi and Centre for Public Sector Reforms, Moi University. This takes advantage of unique and critical role played by universities in helping the world achieve the UN SDGs through research, teaching, operations and community leadership. 

Thus, the launch of the five-year strategic plan will go a long way in outlining the necessary intervention measures through effective strategies used to create awareness about the network and its role in partnering with the government and mobilizing the universities and other stakeholders to contribute in the implementation of SDGs in Kenya.

The strategic plan will combine efforts of the public sector, private sector and development partners to ensure active involvement in the sustainability endeavor because the actions taken so far towards SDG achievement still fall short.

Speaking at the launch, the Vice-Chancellor University of Nairobi, Prof. Stephen G. Kiama echoed a powerful message on the need to strengthen action towards the attainment of sustainability in development in the country.

“The launch of the strategic plan is a call for renewed action, a call to bring to an end poverty, to protect the planet and to ensure that all people enjoy peace”

While the Vice-Chancellor Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Prof. Victoria Ngumi beamed with excitement at the SDSN-K strategic plan and committed her support.

“What I see is a very relevant and big project which has actually made a lot of breakthroughs. The fact that the team could come up with a strategic plan is exciting, JKUAT will support.”

On her part, Council Member, SDSN-K, Prof. Miriam Were emphasized on the timeliness of the launch as there was a lack of evidence in the community when it came to development planning and action.

“Ïf there was evidence we would be further ahead in development than where we are now. It is not how well the network works that matters, it is how well it is changing lives in the community”

“We have many collaborations between our universities and other universities in the west but this collaboration, South-south is very important. Particularly in this case where we are looking at SDGs which have been removed from the common mwananchi.” Explained the Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Prof. Ephraim Wahome as he highlighted the essence of South-South collaborations in furthering the SDGs.  

In his closing remarks, the Director, International Programmes, Linkages and Alumni, Moi University, Prof. Charles Langat pointed out that SDSN-K would utilize its strategic plan to keep the focus on sustainable development.

“SDSN-K is about coming up with solutions for development through research and networking with the communities, government and different institutions. This strategic plan is important because it will keep the focus on Sustainable development.”

 Prof. Lang’at was representing the Vice-Chancellor, Moi University, Prof. Isaac Kosgey.