CEMASTEA Launch Strategic Plan 2023-2027: Key Components
The Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) has taken a major step toward enhancing STEM education with the launch of its Strategic Plan for 2023-2027.
This plan aims to build excellent capacity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, represented by the Director of Projects Coordination in the Ministry of Education, Elija Mungai, emphasized the plan’s importance for advancing STEM education and socio-economic development.
Machogu highlighted the plan’s critical role in defining CEMASTEA’s contribution to improving STEM education in Kenya, addressing the global skill gap where businesses struggle to attract suitable talents in STEM fields.
He praised stakeholders for drafting the plan, noting it will revolutionize the education system by enhancing training, research, and innovation.
Key Components of CEMASTEA‘s Plan 2023-2027
Capacity Building and Policy Promotion
Machogu urged CEMASTEA to continue supporting STEM teachers through capacity building, training curriculum implementers on gender-responsive pedagogy, and providing specialized STEM teaching and learning resources.
He pointed out that the National Curriculum Policy encourages enrollment in STEM subjects, with the Basic Education Curriculum Framework recommending that 60% of learners from Junior School transition to the STEM Pathway in Senior School.
The government is committed to expanding the number of students pursuing advanced degrees and careers in STEM fields by promoting participation from women and marginalized communities, increasing the STEM-capable workforce, and enhancing STEM literacy for all students, even those not pursuing STEM careers.
Implementation and Collaboration
Machogu called on the Board, Management, staff, and stakeholders of CEMASTEA to ensure the successful implementation of the plan, reflecting the institution’s rich experience in delivering quality outcomes by the end of the strategic period.
He assured the government’s support, urging all involved parties to spare no effort in achieving the plan’s goals.
Strategic Goals and Alignment
CEMASTEA is a Pan-African institution serving Kenya and other African countries, acting as the headquarters of the Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education in Africa (SMASE-Africa) Association and the Secretariat for the Inter-Country Quality Node on Mathematics and Science Education for the Association for Development of Education in Africa (ADEA ICQN-MSE).
The government’s Vision 2030 Medium-Term Plan IV, aligned with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), prioritizes STEM education for inclusive growth.
This focus under the Human Capital Development in the Social Sector Pillar aims to strengthen STEM skills and reduce reliance on expatriates for strategic projects, lowering costs.
Jacinta Akatsa, Chief Executive Officer of CEMASTEA, stated that the strategic plan is a well-thought-out move addressing existing gaps and propelling the Centre to meet national and Centre expectations.
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The plan will open new horizons for CEMASTEA to achieve its mission of providing continuous competencies for sustainable development through STEM education.
Strategic goals include enhancing teaching and learning quality, increasing partnerships, and strengthening STEM education, training, and research in Africa for innovative transformation.
TSC’s Support
Dr. Reuben Nthamburi, Director of Teacher Professional Management at the Teachers Service Commission, praised CEMASTEA for developing the plan, stating it will transform the education system and help achieve the STEM agenda.
Nthamburi emphasized the need for 60% of STEM skills among students for school success and highlighted the importance of CEMASTEA’s support for teacher upskilling.
“Adding that, “”We stand with CEMESTEA to ensure teachers succeed”.
CEMASTEA Launch Strategic Plan 2023-2027: Key Components
