CEMASTEA Wants More Young Kenyans to Choose Physics—Here’s Why.
The Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) has called for increased investment in Physics education, scientific research and teacher capacity building to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and accelerate scientific innovation across Africa.
Speaking during the official opening of the 9th Biennial African School of Fundamental Physics and Applications (ASP2026) at the CEMASTEA headquarters in Karen, Nairobi, Acting Chief Executive Officer Gladys Masai said sustained investment in research and teacher training is essential to inspire more young people to pursue Physics and other STEM-related disciplines.
Ms. Masai noted that strengthening research while enhancing teachers’ professional capacity would contribute to nurturing the next generation of innovators and support the country’s long-term scientific and technological development.
She stated that investment in educators and scientific research would equip learners with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to drive national development through innovation.
“The future of scientific advancement depends not only on groundbreaking research but also on inspiring young people and equipping teachers with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to nurture the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators,” Ms. Masai said.
The Acting Chief Executive Officer underscored the critical role of Physics in advancing sustainable development, noting that the discipline has enabled educators, researchers, students, innovators and scientists to better understand the world and develop sustainable solutions to global challenges affecting energy, healthcare, climate change, communication technologies and industrial development.
She further highlighted CEMASTEA’s mandate of enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in mathematics, science and technology education, stating that the institution was honoured to host a programme aimed at strengthening Physics education, scientific inquiry, innovation and collaboration across Africa and internationally.
“Our mandate at CEMASTEA is to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in mathematics, science and technology education. We are therefore honoured to host a programme that strengthens Physics education, scientific inquiry, innovation and collaboration across continents,” she said.
The 9th Biennial African School of Fundamental Physics and Applications is being held from 6th to 11th July 2026 and has brought together approximately 65 undergraduate and postgraduate Physics students from universities across Africa and other regions, more than 50 lecturers, researchers and scientists from leading institutions worldwide, and 80 secondary school Physics teachers.
According to CEMASTEA, the diversity of participants has created opportunities for knowledge exchange, mentorship and collaboration among educators, researchers and students.
Participants are attending lectures and practical sessions facilitated by distinguished physicists and researchers drawn from CEMASTEA, the University of Nairobi and other internationally recognised universities and research institutions.
Training sessions are being conducted at the CEMASTEA campus in Karen, while additional sessions are taking place at the University of Nairobi’s Chiromo Campus.
Ms. Masai encouraged participants to maximise the opportunity by engaging with internationally renowned physicists, participating in scientific discussions, building professional networks and establishing collaborations that would continue beyond the programme.
CEMASTEA announced that while the teachers’ programme will conclude on 11th July 2026, the university students’ programme will continue into a second week to provide additional opportunities for advanced learning, research engagement and interaction with international experts.
As part of the programme, a STEM Outreach Initiative will be conducted between 13th and 16th July 2026 in selected secondary schools, including:
- Oloolaiser High School
- Machakos Girls High School
- Kiambu High School
- Moi Girls School Nairobi
The outreach activities will be facilitated by a team of up to 20 experts comprising CEMASTEA staff and Physics lecturers from local and international universities participating in the African School of Physics.
According to the organisers, the outreach programme will feature interactive demonstrations, hands-on practical activities and discussions designed to enhance learners’ understanding and appreciation of Physics and other STEM disciplines.
The initiative will target Grade 10 learners pursuing the STEM pathway together with Forms Three and Four students studying Physics, with each participating school expected to reach more than 200 learners.
Ms. Masai said the outreach programme is intended to inspire young people to pursue studies and careers in Physics, engineering, technology and other STEM-related fields while demonstrating the practical application of Physics in addressing societal challenges and promoting innovation.
She commended the University of Nairobi, the African School of Physics organisers, partner institutions and other stakeholders for their collaboration in delivering the programme and acknowledged their commitment to advancing Physics education and scientific excellence.
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According to CEMASTEA, the African School of Physics 2026 is expected to strengthen partnerships among secondary schools, universities, research institutions and government agencies while reinforcing Kenya’s position as a regional hub for scientific collaboration, innovation and excellence in STEM education.
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CEMASTEA Wants More Young Kenyans to Choose Physics—Here’s Why.
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