Nairobi, Kenya| The 61st edition of the Kenya Science and Engineering Fair (KSEF) 2025 for Nairobi has successfully concluded after three days of hands-on learning, innovation, and mentorship.
Hosted at Moi Girls School, Nairobi, the event brought together young innovators from various secondary schools, offering them a platform to transform theoretical knowledge into practical solutions aimed at addressing real-world challenges.
A Platform for Nurturing Innovation
KSEF 2025 served as a dynamic space for students to explore, experiment, and showcase their scientific and technological prowess.
The fair featured a range of projects spanning robotics, engineering, and environmental science, among other STEM disciplines.
Participants engaged in interactive demonstrations, problem-solving sessions, and mentorship discussions aimed at enhancing their understanding and application of STEM concepts.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Martin Mungai, Deputy Coordinator for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at the Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA), underscored the fair’s significance in inspiring students to pursue STEM-related fields.
“The fair is geared towards ensuring young minds develop the qualities of a scientist,” Mungai stated. “Students participating in KSEF engage in real-world applications of scientific concepts, making learning more interactive and impactful.”
He highlighted the role of KSEF competitions in empowering students to identify challenges within their communities and devise innovative solutions using scientific knowledge.
Robotics, a key area of focus for CEMASTEA, was particularly emphasized as an avenue to cultivate curiosity and problem-solving skills among learners.
“Robotics helps learners develop a desire to understand how things work and why they function as they do. This curiosity drives them to ask questions, seek answers, and ultimately, innovate,” Mungai explained.
To enhance students’ creative thinking, participants applied the SCAMPER technique—Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse—to develop projects addressing contemporary societal issues.
Strengthening STEM Education in Kenya
Beatrice Macharia, STEM Outreach and Mentorship Programme Coordinator, highlighted the importance of strengthening STEM education in Kenya, particularly with the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
She noted that 60% of learners under CBC are expected to pursue the STEM pathway in senior school, underscoring the need for increased engagement in practical learning experiences.
“The outreach programme focuses on hands-on learning, allowing teachers to observe students’ interests, abilities, and personalities,” Macharia said.
“This approach enables educators to mentor students effectively and guide them in selecting STEM pathways that align with their strengths and aspirations.”
She emphasized the shift from theoretical to practical learning to enhance students’ comprehension and application of STEM concepts.
“We are emphasizing practical learning to ensure students have a deeper understanding of STEM subjects.” She stated.
”Through hands-on activities, teachers can mentor students based on their abilities and interests, helping them transition seamlessly into STEM-focused career pathways,” Macharia added.
Expanding STEM Outreach Beyond Nairobi
Beyond the Nairobi fair, efforts to promote STEM education have also been extended to other regions.
Over 1,500 students from five junior secondary schools in Kajiado County have benefitted from a STEM mentorship and outreach programme spearheaded by CEMASTEA.
The five-day initiative, which commenced at Enkasiti Junior Secondary School in Isinya Sub-county, aims to inspire and equip learners with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to excel in STEM subjects.
The programme includes interactive workshops, project-based learning, and mentorship sessions designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications.
By fostering an interest in STEM at an early stage, CEMASTEA and other stakeholders hope to build a strong foundation for Kenya’s future workforce, equipping students with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
As KSEF 2025 wraps up, the impact of such initiatives continues to resonate among students, educators, and policymakers, reaffirming the importance of STEM education in driving innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development in Kenya.
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