Mapping Kenya’s bioscience sector: current landscape and future prospects
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-01)

Closed: The FCDO invited proposals by 24 September 2025 for a study to map Kenya’s bioscience sector and explore future opportunities for innovation.

This opportunity closed on 24 September 2025.

Overview

The East Africa Research and Innovation Hub (EARIH) is working with the Kenyan National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) and the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) to commission a study of Kenya’s bioscience sector. The study will examine the current state of bioscience innovation and explore future opportunities.

This work supports the strategic objectives of the UK–Kenya partnership in science, technology and innovation. It also contributes to wider development goals, including economic transformation, health systems, food security and industrial growth.

What the fund will achieve

The study will inform policy and programme decisions by FCDO, EARIH and Kenyan institutions such as KeNIA and NACOSTI. It will complement existing research, including the Stockholm Environment Institute’s mapping of Kenya’s bioeconomy.

The study will provide practical recommendations for government, academia, the private sector and development partners. These findings will guide investment, encourage collaboration and help strengthen the environment for bioscience innovation in Kenya.

Requirements for organisations wishing to apply

The core team should include people with:
- an advanced degree in a relevant bioscience field
- proven experience in industry and knowledge of research commercialisation and innovation
- knowledge of the Kenyan context, especially the research and innovation ecosystem
- experience managing interdisciplinary teams and ensuring quality assurance in complex studies
- experience in high-quality science communication, content design and creative dissemination methods
How to apply

Review all the programme documentation:
- Evidence Fund: evaluation and scoring criteria (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68b57ca83f3e5483efdba86d/Evidence_Fund_-_Evaluation_and_Scoring_Criteria_-_Mapping_Kenya_s_Bioscience_Sector.odt)
- Evidence Fund: letter of invitation (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68b57d0b3f3e5483efdba86e/Evidence_Fund_-_Letter_of_Invitation_-_Mapping_Kenya_s_Bioscience_Sector.odt)
- volume 1: instructions (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68b57d3bb0a373a01819fcc6/Volume_1_-_Instructions__Mapping_Kenya_s_Bioscience_Sector.odt)
- volume 2: Evidence Fund terms of reference (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68b57d60d723ba6f74dba86a/Volume_2_-_EvF_ToR_Mapping_Kenyas_Bioscience_Sector.odt)
- volume 3: application form (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68b57d78536d629f9c82a94b/Volume_3_-_Application_Form.odt)
- volume 4: commercial pro formas (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68b57d93cc8356c3c882a949/Volume_4_-_Commercial_Pro_Formas.ods)
- volume 5: pro forma contract (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68b57db4b0a373a01819fcc7/Volume_5_-_Pro_Forma_Contract.odt)
- volume 6: conflict of interest policy (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68b57dd211b4ded2da19fcbf/Volume_6_-_Conflict_of_Interest_Policy.odt)
- volume 7: safeguarding policy (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68b57e00b0a373a01819fcc8/Volume_7_-_Safeguarding_Policy.odt)
- volume 8: letter and declaration to accompany tenders (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68b57e6611b4ded2da19fcc0/Volume_8_-_Letter_and_Declaration_to_Accompany_Tenders.odt)
Email your technical and commercial proposal to xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) by 5pm (East Africa time) on 24 September 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.