Climate change risks pose serious threats to Kenya’s sustainable development goals and development gains according to a report by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The largest economy in East Africa with a population of 54 million, largely dependents on rainfed agriculture, tourism, and natural resources, “sectors that are susceptible to climate variability and change and extreme weather events,” added USAID. USAID therefore works with the Government of Kenya to address climate adaptation and resilience building, renewable energy, and natural climate solutions among others.
Today, Young Scientists Kenya [YSK], an initiative of both the Ministry of Education and the Government of Ireland through its Embassy in Kenya, announced it has received 1,780 project abstracts for its 7th edition of the National Science and Technology Annual Exhibition 2024 which is keen on sustainability under its theme -Developing Sustainable Solutions for Climate Change.
By giving young people from across Kenya an opportunity to demonstrate climate change innovations and showcase their scientific talents through a National Science and Technology competition, YSK is helping the Kenyan government fight both unemployment and climate change and as well help raise future leaders.
According to Young Scientists Kenya National Director, Dr. Eng. Victor Mwongera, “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.”
These STEM innovations, stated Mwongera, motivate and inspire young people to generate new technologies and ideas that solve problems in their communities. YSK’s annual exhibition is also a platform for them to compete and showcase their scientific research and innovations, create linkages, and build their skills for further research and commercialization.
The 1,780 project abstracts were announced today at this year’s YSK exhibition launch event. This year’s exhibition is scheduled to take place between 19th to 23rd of August 2024. This is YSK’s 7th edition of the National Science and Technology Annual Exhibition.
Founded in 2017, YSK has awarded 210 student winners, 13 with tertiary education scholarships, supported 2 students in receiving trademarks for their winning projects, and delivered 6 national exhibitions and 5 STEM bootcamps. YSK’s National Science and Technology Exhibition, now in its 7th year, provides a platform for secondary school students across all 47 counties to exhibit projects, with independent judging and an award ceremony. It also holds outreach and mentoring sessions targeting students across all the 47 counties to expose students to live STEM demos, and encourage them to take up STEM careers. Winners are invited to a business bootcamp and given mentorship and training on commercialization, enterprise development, Intellectual Property and trademarking, while providing them linkages to the public and private sectors.
Isaac Muendo, who won second place in the Technology Category at the 2019 exhibition, has since co-founded Arifa Labs, a technology company that develops homegrown cybersecurity solutions to tackle the rising incidents of social engineering attacks. The National Science and Technology Exhibition is modelled on the Irish BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition [YSTE] and is supported by the Irish government.
“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 Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Micheál Martin, who was present at the exhibition launch.
“We are proud to stand with Kenya in this transformative journey, just as we have seen the remarkable impact of BT YSTE in our own country” he added.