About us

Nuvoni Centre for Innovation Research is an independent academic research firm based in Nairobi, Kenya. Our mission is to undertake research on science, technology and innovation and its role in fostering inclusive development in Africa. Our current focus areas are energy, technology and innovation management and urban development.

Mission and Strategy

NCIR aims to establish itself as an international centre of excellence on the study of innovation and inclusive development in Kenya, and by extension, sub-Saharan Africa.

 

This will be achieved by conducting robust academic research across a range of disciplines, developing research partnerships, integrating into regional and global academic networks, engaging with policymakers, the private sector, civil society and local communities to ensure our research outputs have societal relevance.

Our Objective

The objective of NCIR is to do more locally embedded research on how science, innovation and technology contribute to inclusive development and human well-being. We aim to shed more light on the dynamics and impact of science, technology and innovation on business and entrepreneurship, policy processes, culture, and society in general. The outputs of this research should be relevant for theory, provide real life cases for teaching, and provide evidence for policy making.

 

NCIR aims to become an environment where early-career scholars of innovation in Kenya can access mentorship, scientific resources and exposure. Our location in Nairobi, Kenya, being a regional hub, and a vibrant place for new technology development, entrepreneurship and policy innovation, offers a great environment to pursue these objectives.

International Centre for Frugal Innovation - ICFI

NCIR legally and administratively hosts the Kenyan Hub of the International Centre for Frugal Innovation (ICFI)

ICFI is a multi-disciplinary academic research centre founded in 2013 through a strategic alliance between three Dutch universities: Delft University of Technology, Leiden University and Erasmus University Rotterdam. Since its foundation in 2013, the Centre has grown into a multi-disciplinary community with members from all around the world, working together to gain a better understanding of the implications of frugal innovation.  Read More

ICFI with title

Management Team

Profile pic Elsie

Dr. Elsie Onsongo

Director
Dr Elsie has a PhD from the ‘Economics of Innovative Change’ a programme jointly offered by Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the Max Planck Institute of Economics, Germany.

Dr Bethuel Kinyanjui

Director
Dr Bethuel Kinyanjui is an economist by training. His research focuses mainly on trade and finance in developing countries.
Nuvoni Staff Others Portraits, 21st June 2022-53

Millicent Ochieng

HR & Administration Manager
Millicent specializes in developing accounting & finance management systems and installing strong internal controls for organizations wishing to stay on top on matters financial resources utilization.