Twenty refugee schools from Kakuma and Dadaab have qualified to participate in the ninth Young Scientists Kenya National Science and Technology Exhibition, joining students from across the country to showcase innovations aimed at solving real-world challenges.
The four-day exhibition, being held at Moi Girls High School in Nairobi, features 154 student projects selected from more than 1,500 submissions received nationwide.
Held under the theme “Shaping Kenya’s AI Future Using STEM,” the annual event provides secondary school students with a platform to present innovative solutions in health, agriculture, engineering, climate change, technology and social development.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak said the government remains committed to supporting young people developing technology-driven solutions.
“Artificial intelligence is already here, and seeing our young people apply it to real-world challenges like precision farming and solar energy is inspiring,” Prof. Abdulrazak said.
“As we develop our national AI policy, the government will continue supporting these young minds through mentorship and innovation hubs to ensure their creativity drives Kenya’s future.”
Young Scientists Kenya National Director Dr. Victor Mwongera said exposing learners to emerging technologies at an early stage would help prepare them for rapidly changing workplaces and industries.
“Artificial intelligence has evolved from a novel innovation into an essential skill across modern industries,” Dr. Mwongera said.
“For this technology to truly succeed in Kenya, our learners must grasp it at a young age, treating it as a practical tool to solve community challenges and navigate their future careers.”
Beyond the science and technology project displays, the programme includes practical learning sessions intended to prepare students for opportunities beyond the exhibition.
The opening day featured a financial literacy session led by KCB Foundation, followed by the official opening ceremony and student exhibitions.
Students will continue presenting their projects through Thursday while interacting with Young Scientists Kenya alumni, scientists and industry leaders.
Organisers say the engagements are intended to give learners practical insights into how school-based innovations can develop into university research projects, technology careers or commercial enterprises.
The exhibition will also feature interactive sessions led by Safaricom and Mtoto News, as well as an “Ask Me Anything” panel focusing on Kenya’s artificial intelligence future.
The panel will feature Gen Z AI consultant Simran Budhabhatti and Zerobionic founder Maxwell Opondo.
Global technology company Oracle will facilitate a workshop titled “Future-Proofing Your Career: Navigating the Power and Perils of AI,” focusing on emerging career opportunities and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
The exhibition concludes on Saturday, August 8, with a closing ceremony and awards presentation recognising outstanding student innovations.
Judges and guests will have a final opportunity to view projects on the exhibition floor before the winners are announced.
Through the annual exhibition, Young Scientists Kenya seeks to provide young innovators with an opportunity to test ideas, receive expert feedback, connect with peers and professionals, and use science, technology, engineering and mathematics to address challenges facing their communities.
