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A dynamic and insightful panel discussion was held last week at the Kenya National Research Festival (KNRF), which took place on August 19–23, 2024 in Nairobi. The event brought together experts from various fields to address the crucial role of research in informing policy and driving development, with Dr. Rose Oronje, Director of Public Policy and Knowledge Translation and Head of the Kenya Office at the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) highlighting critical pathways to research impact during the panel discussion.

The session emphasized the need for collaboration, timely research, and the translation of findings into actionable policies. In her submission, Dr Oronje outlined three pathways to enable research impact in policy- and decision-making: partnerships, synthesis, and accessibility, advocating for a co-production model where researchers and policymakers work hand-in-hand to address development challenges.

The panel explored the three main objectives of the discussion: understanding barriers to research uptake, identifying challenges, and determining needs. Dr Oronje pointed out the disconnect between research and policymaking, specifically due to the lack of relevant and timely research. She emphasized the need for stronger partnerships to ensure research is responsive to policymakers’ priorities and available when needed.

Another significant point discussed was the challenge of working in silos. Dr Oronje called for more integrated efforts between researchers and policymakers to avoid missed opportunities, such as timing research to align with budgeting cycles.

She also highlighted the issue of weak institutional structures that hinder the culture of evidence use in Kenya and across Africa. “We need to strengthen not just individual capacities but also the structures, budgets, and tools necessary to support evidence-based decision-making,” she urged.

Accessibility of research findings was another central theme. Dr Oronje stressed the need for synthesizing and analyzing existing data to provide policymakers with comprehensive and actionable insights. She noted the capacity gap required for such synthesis and called for investment in these areas to bridge the gap between research and policy impact.

As the discussion ended, Dr Oronje challenged researchers and funders to “walk the whole journey” from conducting research to ensuring its practical application in solving development problems. She urged funders to provide resources that allow researchers to go beyond publishing papers, ensuring their work translates into real-world impact.

The panel concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders—researchers, policymakers, journalists, and funders—to engage continuously and collaboratively.