On April 22 2017, The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) with partners organized The Kenya March for Science in harmony with global efforts to support science which took place concurrently in different locations globally. The campaign targeted scientists and general public in support of science.
In Kenya, AATF working together with African Biotechnology Stakeholders Forum (ABSF), Rural Outreach Africa (ROA), ICOSEED and other partners stood up for science in one voice and created awareness on the importance of various scientific fields and called for support from both government and the general public.
Purpose of March for Science (#Kenya March for Science)
The Kenya March for Science was seeking to bring together all manner of people who believe in science to talk in one voice and create awareness on the importance of various scientific fields and call for support from both government and general public.
Key objectives were to:
- mobilize scientists and non-scientists to participate in physical marches in support of science in Nairobi, Central (Embu/Kirinyaga) and Western (Kakamega).
- call for supportive science regulatory environment by asking the government to address the specific constraints facing various branches of science
- raise awareness on challenges facing science and technology uptake in Kenya
- call on government to avail funding for science and support research in the country
The campaign was also supported by a social media campaign that created a lot of impact and buzz before and during the campaign.