The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is inviting submissions by 16 January 2026 for a study designed to inform Kenya’s fiscal policy in support of research and development (R&D) and the implementation of its national innovation masterplan. R&D and innovation are widely recognised as critical drivers of economic growth, productivity, and global competitiveness, enabling countries to develop new technologies, diversify economies, and generate high-value employment opportunities.
The FCDO has identified gaps in understanding how best to stimulate private sector investment in R&D in Kenya and across Sub-Saharan Africa. This study, conducted in partnership with the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), aims to generate actionable insights to guide fiscal policy decisions, strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem and supporting the practical implementation of its national innovation masterplan.
The primary goal of the study is to assess which fiscal incentive options are most appropriate and effective for encouraging private sector investment in innovation, research, and development in Kenya. It will also explore how these incentives can be applied within the country’s existing policy and economic context, providing a roadmap for targeted, evidence-based interventions.
Organisations eligible to apply include those based in all Official Development Assistance (ODA)-eligible countries on the OECD DAC list. The study will require a strong research team with expertise in fiscal policy analysis, innovation systems and R&D financing, stakeholder engagement and qualitative research, and comparative policy evaluation.
