Science Contest Attracts Over 1,700 Student Entries
Young Scientists Kenya has received 1,780 project abstracts for its seventh edition of the National Science and Technology Annual Exhibition 2024. This marks a 138 percent increase in submissions compared to last year.
The exhibition, set to take place from August 19th to 23rd, 2024, provides young Kenyans with a platform to showcase their scientific talents and innovations.
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This year’s theme, “Developing Sustainable Solutions for Climate Change,” emphasizes sustainability, as highlighted by Ben Roberts, Chairman of the YSK Committee.
The exhibition aims to inspire students to pursue STEM pathways by:
- Showcasing their research and innovations
- Creating linkages
- Building skills for further research and commercialization
Importance of STEM Education
YSK National Director Victor Mwongera noted that STEM education fosters creativity and non-traditional thinking alongside conventional subjects. Since its inception, YSK has:
- Reached over 250,000 students
- Involved more than 750 schools, including over 20 special needs schools
- Engaged more than 750 teachers
- Created over 600 STEM networks
- Received over 1,000 student projects
Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Micheál Martin, praised the exhibition, which is modeled after the Irish BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (YSTE).
He stated that Ireland fully supports YSK’s mission to inspire and empower young minds in Kenya and beyond, noting the program’s significant influence on Ireland’s economy by fostering innovation and nurturing young talent.
Achievements and Opportunities
Additionally, YSK has:
- Awarded 210 student winners
- Provided tertiary education scholarships to thirteen students
- Supported two students in receiving trademarks for their projects
- Conducted six national exhibitions and five STEM bootcamps
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Isaac Muendo, a second-place winner in the Technology Category at the 2019 exhibition, has since co-founded Arifa Labs, a technology company focused on developing cybersecurity solutions.
Science Contest Attracts Over 1,700 Student Entries