Young Scientist Kenya kicks-off 4th Annual National Science and Technology Exhibition

Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) in partnership with the Ministry of Education, The Embassy of Ireland, and BLAZE by Safaricom Tuesday kicked off the annual four-day National Science and Technology Exhibition for secondary school students.

The exhibition, which was officially kicked off by  President Uhuru Kenyatta, will showcase 111 entries by 214 students from 30 counties via YSK’s platform www.yskexhibition.co.ke/register.

“I am also pleased to note that 5 of the 65 participating schools are Special Needs Schools; and that there are more girls than boys participating in the exhibition (120 girls and 94 boys). Thank you, YSK for helping release the talent that lies in every part of the country,” the President said.

1/3 President Uhuru Kenyatta has praised Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) for equipping Kenya’s youth with modern technological skills needed to advance the country’s socio-economic transformation. pic.twitter.com/ntRK7Iv0TS

— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) October 5, 2021

It is the culmination of an online adaptation of YSK’s outreach and mentorship programme that has reached over 100,000 students from all 47 counties since 2018.

“The theme of this year’s exhibition is ‘Securing Our Future with STEM,’ as we have put significant effort into inclusivity and ensuring that no one is left behind. We are pleased with the diversity of the projects received from across the country, and I look forward to an exciting virtual exhibition that will showcase the talent and creativity of Kenya’s budding scientists,” said Loise Kinyanjui, YSK Executive Director.

The exhibition closes on Friday 8^th October, will see overall winners take home Ksh50,000 each, with runners up taking home Ksh 40,000 and smartphones from Safaricom. The overall winners will also receive scholarships at Strathmore University.

Four category awards will also be up for grabs, with winning students set to receive Ksh 30,000 each, while the first and second runners up will receive Ksh20,000 and Ksh 10,000 respectively. The categories are Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences; Technology; Biological and Ecological Sciences; and Social and Behavioral Sciences.

BLAZE by Safaricom has provided a Kssh9 million sponsorship as well as Ksh 750,000 worth of airtime towards the event. BLAZE will also award the overall winners with smartphones, while students in second and third positions will each receive headphones.

Angela Githuthu-Ngaamba Empowering Youth to Embrace Technology with a Human Element