Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) has announced a remarkable increase in project abstracts for its 7th edition of the National Science and Technology Annual Exhibition 2024, receiving 1,780 submissions. This represents a 138 percent increase from the previous year, highlighting the growing interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among young Kenyans.
Speaking at the launch event, National Director Victor Mwongera expressed his excitement about the surge in submissions and emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, “Using STEM to Champion Climate Change Solutions.” The exhibition is set to take place from August 19th to 23rd, 2024, and will focus on sustainability.
“This year, we are keen on sustainability under our theme – ‘Using STEM to Champion Climate Change Solutions,’” Dr. Mwongera stated. “The exhibition will have 200 students and 100 teachers showcasing their projects, with an additional 1,300 students attending virtually. The students and teachers will be drawn from 390 schools across all 47 counties, including 5 special needs schools and 3 refugee schools.”
The 7th edition of the YSK exhibition aims to inspire students to pursue STEM pathways, showcase their scientific research and innovations, create linkages, and build their skills for further research and commercialization.
YSK Board Chairperson, Mr. Ben Roberts, highlighted the transformative impact of STEM education on fostering creativity and non-traditional thinking. “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, and received over 1,000 student projects,” Roberts said. “The STEM approach to education motivates and inspires young people to generate new technologies and ideas that solve problems in their communities.”
The event also saw the attendance of Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Micheál Martin. He praised the National Science and Technology Exhibition, which is modelled around the Irish BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BT YSTE).
YSK’s commitment to promoting STEM education and empowering young scientists is evident through its growing reach and impact. As the exhibition approaches, anticipation builds for the innovative projects and solutions that will be showcased, reinforcing the importance of STEM in addressing global challenges like climate change.
