- Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA) receives replenishment
The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) on 1 December 2010 made a USD2 million grant to Kenya's flagship policy institute, the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA). Since 1994, ACBF's total investment in KIPPRA has been USD 5.3 million. ACBF's total investment in Kenya, including regional interventions in Kenya is USD 40.75 million.
KIPPRA was established with the broad objective of developing human and institutional capacity for policy analysis and research, economic forecasting and the formulation of medium and long term perspectives for economic and social development of Kenya. KIPPRA's partnership with ACBF, which already spans two phases of programmed funding, has been critical for capacity building in Kenya. The Institute received grants of USD 1.63 million and USD 1.7 million during Phases I and II, approved respectively in 1995 and 2003.
The grant is for KIPPRA Phase III, the overall goal of which is to support Government of Kenya's efforts in policy analysis and formulation towards national economic development. The project's specific objectives are to : (i) enhance capacity of KIPPRA to produce quality research and policy support to Government and other stakeholders; (ii) strengthen capacity of Government, private sector and civil society in policy formulation and analysis; (iii) enhance KIPPRA's communication capacity to enable the Institute respond to national policy issues; (iv) strengthen the Institute's partnerships and networks and; (v) enhance KIPPRA's institutional capacity in order to effectively support the policy process and ensure its sustainability.
On signing the new grant agreement, Kenya's Minister of State for Planning, National Development and Vision 2030, Hon. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, representing the Government of Kenya, expressed his delight that KIPPRA had reached its third phase. "KIPPRA, which is 11 years old, has a vision of being the leading public policy research and analysis institution in Africa and beyond and an international centre of excellence. The think-tank commenced operations in June 1999 and has added immense value in shaping the country's economic development policies. As Government, we are delighted that ACBF has been supporting the institute since inception and we look forward to the project's continued success".
The KIPPRA Executive Director, Dr Moses Ikiara, said: "We believe that KIPPRA is the cradle of policy research in Kenya, with the special ability to analyse and synthesize; to weigh various alternatives for solving complex problems under varying environments; to recommend specific course of action in keeping with the economic and socio political realities of our country. Persuasive advice must be premised on technical competence and insight into political and bureaucratic options, creativity and communication."
Over the last twenty years, ACBF has supported a total of 27 policy institutes in 22 Africa countries. Underlying the Foundation's commitment to this focus area is the conviction that excellent policy units and think tanks are a strategic way of addressing Africa's development challenges.
Signing the grant agreement on behalf of ACBF, the Foundation's Executive Secretary, Dr. Frannie Léautier highlighted that: "ACBF has patiently supported policy institutes in Africa over close to twenty years. As a result these institutes have today become one of the major capacity development interventions. The invaluable lessons that have been learnt from almost twenty years of nurturing of these institutions, demonstrate that capacity building is a long term endeavour that requires flexibility, creativity and dedication". She added; "As ACBF celebrates its 20th anniversary on February 9, 2011, policy institutes will continue to remain of prime importance to our Foundation's strategy. The increasing ability of policy institutes, such as KIPPRA, to track trends, analyse and raise concerns for policymakers, underpins the continued relevance of these development institutions. They play a pivotal role in determining Africa's immediate and future development agendas."
Since its establishment, ACBF has supported policy institutes across the continent in 22 African countries. These are Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire,[Soft Break]Ethiopia, Eritrea, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Namibia, Niger, Senegal, Sao Tome and Principe, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
About the African Capacity Building Foundation
ACBF was established in February 1991. It is the outcome of collaboration between African governments and the international donor community. Its mission is to build sustainable human and institutional capacity for sustainable growth and poverty reduction in Africa. ACBF's vision is for Africa to be recognized for its socio-political and economic capabilities and endowments – a continent with effective institutions and policies acquired through sustained investment in people and institutions. The Foundation aims to become a leader, major partner, and centre of excellence for capacity building in Africa.
For further information contact:
Ms. Audrey Mpunzwana
Head, External Affairs and Communications:
African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF)
PO Box 1562, Harare, ZIMBABWE
E: a.mpunzwana@acbf-pact.org
Tel: + 263 4 700208/210
Fax: + 263 4 702915
Eric Aligula Magolo, PhD
Programmes Coordinator & Ag. Head, Infrastructure and Economic Services Division
Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA)
P.O. Box 56445, 00200 Nairobi, KENYA
E jairah@kippra.or.ke
Tel: +254-20-2719933/4 Fax:+254-20-2719951
