Developing Sustainable Solutions for Climate Change
Young Scientists Kenya has received 1,780 project abstracts for the seventh National Science and Technology Annual Exhibition set for August 19-23, 2024. This is in comparison to last year’s 747 entries—thus, a 138% increase—indicative of increased interest and participation by young Kenyans in taking up STEM subjects.
A Platform for Innovation
YSK provides an essential platform for the young innovator to showcase their scientific talents and projects. Since inception, YSK has worked with over 250,000 students from more than 750 schools, including more than 20 special needs schools and more than 750 teachers. The organizations have established more than 600 STEM networks and received over 1,000 projects from students.
This Year’s Theme: Climate Change
This year’s theme, “Developing Sustainable Solutions for Climate Change,” places a special focus on sustainability in innovation. As Merton College’s Ben Roberts, chairman of the YSK Committee, highlighted, this theme is especially on inspiring students toward STEM pathways, research pursuits, and skills in commercialization.
According to him, STEM education enhances creativity and innovative thinking towards the solution of emerging challenges facing the world. He mentioned the tremendous achievements of YSK, including the awarding of 210 student winners, thirteen students who have been given tertiary education scholarships, support for two students in the acquisition of trademarks, and holding many national exhibitions and STEM bootcamps.
International Support and Influence
The Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Micheál Martin, praised YSK, modeled off of Ireland’s BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition. He expressed Ireland’s commitment to offering full support towards the goals set by YSK in stirring the young minds in Kenya, with a lot of potential towards solving common global problems such as engaging in sustainable development.
Of importance, Martin has also underscored the thrust of the program in creating an effect on Ireland’s economy through innovation and creation of young talent. He proclaimed ample support for the YSK gesture, noting its ability to serve as an impetus for the young scientists back in Kenya and further.
Success Stories
Some of the successes include participants of YSK. In 2019, Isaac Muendo, who emerged second in the Technology Category, was part of the winning team at the exhibition. He also happens to be one of the co-founders of Arifa Labs, a technology company based in creating cybersecurity solutions. Achievements such as this give testimony to the potential transformation that YSK holds in shaping the future of the scientific community of Kenya.