Irish Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin recently emphasized the critical role of Kenya’s private sector in ensuring the sustainability of the country’s innovations. Speaking at the launch event for the Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) program, Martin highlighted that the private sector’s involvement is not only crucial for financial support but also for harnessing the energy and participation of volunteers, which he views as essential for a vibrant and innovative ecosystem.
The Young Scientists Kenya program, inspired by the Irish BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, aims to identify and support promising innovations among secondary school students in Kenya. This year’s event has seen a remarkable increase in engagement, with 1,780 project abstracts submitted, representing a 138 percent increase from the previous year, as noted by YSK’s National Director, Victor Mwongera. The upcoming National Science and Technology Annual Exhibition is scheduled to take place from August 19th to 23rd, 2024, and will feature 200 students and 100 teachers showcasing their projects, with an additional 1,300 students participating virtually.
Mwongera pointed out that the theme for this year’s exhibition is “Using STEM to Champion Climate Change Solutions,” reflecting a strong focus on sustainability. The exhibition will draw participants from 390 schools across all 47 counties, including five special needs schools and three refugee schools. The aim is to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM, showcase their scientific research and innovations, create linkages, and build skills for further research and commercialization.
Reflecting on the six years of Ireland’s support for YSK, Martin reiterated Ireland’s commitment to global cooperation and development, stating that initiatives like YSK align with Ireland’s belief in the power of education and innovation. “Ireland fully supports YSK’s mission to inspire and empower young minds in Kenya and beyond. By investing in the youth and their scientific pursuits, we can collectively address global challenges and drive sustainable development,” Martin stated. He expressed pride in Ireland’s partnership with Kenya in this transformative journey, noting the significant impact of similar initiatives in Ireland through the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.
Since its inception, YSK has had a substantial impact, reaching over 250,000 students and involving more than 750 schools, including over 20 special needs schools. The program has engaged over 750 teachers, created more than 600 STEM networks, and received over 1,000 student projects. These efforts have helped foster a strong STEM culture in Kenya, providing students with opportunities to develop their scientific skills and contribute to innovative solutions for global challenges.
The private sector’s participation is seen as a vital component in this initiative, as it brings not only financial resources but also a broader sense of community involvement and support. The engagement of private sector volunteers and their energy can significantly enhance the program’s impact, ensuring that Kenya’s innovations are sustainable and can compete on a global stage. As Kenya continues to nurture its young scientific talent, the collaboration between the public and private sectors will be crucial in driving forward the country’s innovation agenda and addressing pressing global issues such as climate change.
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