Over 1,700 projects submitted for students' science contest

 

National Director of young Scientist Kenya Victor Mwongera, Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence – Mr. Micheál Martin and Zerobionic Alumni YSK 2020 Maxwell Opondo.

Young Scientists Kenya has received 1,780 project abstracts for its seventh edition of the National Science and Technology Annual Exhibition 2024.

This marks a 138 percent increase in submissions compared to last year.

The exhibition, which offers young Kenyans a platform to showcase their scientific talents and innovations, is set to take place from August 19th to 23rd, 2024.

Chairman of the YSK Committee Ben Roberts said that this year’s theme, "Developing Sustainable Solutions for Climate Change," emphasizes sustainability.

The exhibition focuses on inspiring students to pursue STEM pathways, showcasing their research and innovations, creating linkages, and building skills for further research and commercialization.

YSK National Director Victor Mwongera pointed out that STEM education fosters creativity and non-traditional thinking alongside conventional subjects.

“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,” said Mwongera.

Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Micheál Martin, praised the exhibition, modeled after the Irish BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (YSTE).

“Ireland fully supports YSK's mission to inspire and empower young minds in Kenya and beyond. By investing in the youth and their scientific pursuits, we can collectively address global challenges and drive sustainable development,” stated Mr. Martin.

Martin noted that the program has significantly influenced Ireland's economy by fostering innovation and nurturing young talent.

He expressed support for the YSK initiative, emphasizing its potential to inspire and empower young minds in Kenya and beyond.

Additionally, YSK has awarded 210 student winners, provided tertiary education scholarships to thirteen students, supported two students in receiving trademarks for their projects, and conducted six national exhibitions and five STEM bootcamps.

Isaac Muendo, a second-place winner in the Technology Category at the 2019 exhibition, has since co-founded Arifa Labs, a technology company focused on developing cybersecurity solutions.

BY THE STAR