This archive report was first published on 11 July 2019.
On 6th to 9th August 2019, the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) will host the 2nd edition of the National Science and Technology Exhibition, an event organized by Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) in partnership with the Ministry of Education, The Embassy of Ireland, and BLAZE by Safaricom.
Over 500 students from across Kenya will showcase their science and technology projects at the exhibition, a significant increase from last year's 160 students who presented 92 projects.
YSK's high school outreach program, sponsored by BLAZE by Safaricom, has been instrumental in reaching over 40,000 students in all 47 counties, courtesy of the STEM high school outreach program. This expansion was a direct response to a challenge from YSK Patron H.E President Uhuru Kenyatta during the inaugural Exhibition last year, where he tasked the YSK organising team to roll out the program across the country as part of a national effort to make Kenya a leader in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Prof. George Magoha, Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Education, expressed his pride in being part of a program that exposes young Kenyans to the endless possibilities that science and innovation can open up for the country.
The National Exhibition is part of YSK's mandate to spur innovation among students in Kenya, complementing the Ministry of Education's annual Secondary Schools Science Congress, now known as the Kenya Science and Engineering Fair (KSEF).
Dr. Kevit Desai, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Education, State Department of Vocational and Technical Training, and Chairperson of the YSK Board, emphasized the importance of the outreach program in achieving the Big 4 Agenda, which relies on the youth embracing Science, Technology, and Innovation and connecting with the STEM ecosystem.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to officiate the opening of the exhibition, alongside other dignitaries. The award ceremony will be held on 9th August, with winners receiving KES 100,000 and a trip to Ireland to participate in the BT-Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) in January 2020.
Young Scientists Ireland has been running for over 50 years and has helped transform Ireland into a knowledge-based economy and a leader in innovation. The Ambassador of Ireland to Kenya, Fionnuala Quinlan, expressed her delight in sharing their experience with Kenya, helping to embed STEM skills in schools, and contributing to building the country's vibrant innovation culture.
With the theme 'Making STEM education accessible to all', YSK has been conducting outreach activities in secondary schools around the country since March, aimed at engaging students to take up STEM courses.
BLAZE has sponsored the high school outreach program and national exhibition to the tune of KES 45 million in cash and kind, aligning with Safaricom's commitment to the sustainable development goals.
Wilson Irungu and Abdulrahman Sheikh Ali from Nakuru High School were the winners of the science contest in 2018 with a revolutionary Internet-based energy monitoring and audit system concept. As a result, they got a chance to go on a fully paid trip to Ireland to participate in the BT-Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition between 9th and 12th January 2019.
