The Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) has significantly increased its efforts to improve the performance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in Junior Schools (JS) across Kenya. Through an expansive outreach and mentorship program, CEMASTEA aims to equip teachers with the necessary skills to effectively implement STEM education under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
The initiative places emphasis on hands-on learning experiences, prioritizing student engagement in practical activities rather than traditional teacher-centred instruction. CEMASTEA’s Programme Coordinator, Beatrice Macharia, explains that this approach allows teachers to observe students’ competencies, interests, and personalities, helping them guide students toward STEM pathways at the senior school level.
Speaking at Moi Kabartonjo Junior Secondary School in Baringo County, Macharia underscored the importance of the mentorship initiative in strengthening STEM education. The program, which aligns with the country’s Vision 2030 goals, also targets pre-technical studies, agriculture, and nutrition teachers, enhancing their capacity in learner-centred teaching strategies. By focusing on models and play-based learning, the program helps break gender barriers, encouraging both boys and girls to embrace STEM subjects.
The initiative, which has been rolled out in schools such as Kaprogonya, Moi Kabartonjo, and Marigat Junior Secondary Schools, seeks to demystify STEM subjects and challenge stereotypes that science is only for certain groups. Macharia notes that exposing students to practical experiments and real-world applications makes STEM more relatable and engaging, cultivating a generation of learners poised to lead Kenya’s technological advancements.
CEMASTEA’s five-day outreach program involved interactive activities in mathematics, integrated science, and ICT. Additionally, the initiative addressed global issues such as climate change, emphasizing the role of STEM education in solving environmental challenges. National Trainer David Kireru highlighted the program’s focus on using locally available materials for teaching STEM subjects, ensuring that practical skills acquisition is central to CBC implementation.
School administrators and teachers have lauded the program for its potential to boost student interest in STEM subjects. Headteacher John Koros of Kaprogonya Junior Secondary School noted the mentorship program’s positive impact on students’ curiosity and performance. Science teacher Faith Bett also praised CEMASTEA for empowering educators with innovative techniques to simplify complex scientific concepts.
The initiative has inspired students, with Grade 8 student Tony Kemboi noting that hands-on activities in physics and robotics have made scientific concepts more accessible. Another student, Meshack Kemboi, advocated for the expansion of STEM outreach to reach more schools, ensuring a broader impact.
CEMASTEA continues to commit to building the capacity of students and teachers in mathematics and science, preparing Kenya’s future workforce for a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
