Nairobi: The prestigious 2026 African Olympiad Academy (AOA) Rising Stars Training Camp has officially commenced at the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA), gathering some of the top and most talented students in mathematics, science, and informatics.
According to Kenya News Agency, CEMASTEA Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gladys Masai emphasized the importance of the programme in advancing STEM education in Kenya as it engages and prepares learners to tackle and solve complex problems. Through rigorous mathematics contests and a selective process, students earn the opportunity to secure prestigious scholarships. Those who qualify will gain admission to the AOA in Kigali, Rwanda, to further their training.
The intensive contest aims to prepare students for major global competitions such as the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) and the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). The exercise promotes collaborative learning and knowledge exchange among CEMASTEA and its key partners, including the University of Nairobi and the University of Waterloo’s Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing, which play a crucial role in advancing STEM education.
Ms. Masai noted that the initiative reflects CEMASTEA’s ongoing efforts to build capacity and develop talent, nurturing young minds in STEM fields. She highlighted that this year’s programme expands beyond mathematics to include informatics, aligning with global trends and national education priorities. According to Masai, this broader scope will equip learners with relevant digital and problem-solving skills essential in today’s innovation-driven world.
Participants are expected to benefit from intensive training designed to strengthen critical thinking, resilience, collaboration, and inquiry-based learning. Addressing the students, Ms. Masai encouraged them to seize the opportunities before them. She reminded them of their potential and responsibility, urging them to remain curious, learn from one another, and not fear making mistakes.
CEMASTEA reaffirmed the importance of strategic partnerships in expanding opportunities for young learners and strengthening Kenya’s global competitiveness in STEM fields. Ms. Masai expressed optimism that the 5-day training camp would prepare students for upcoming Olympiad competitions and inspire them to pursue excellence beyond the classroom and contribute meaningfully to society worldwide.
According to the Co-founder and Executive Director of the African Olympiad Academy, Arun Shanmuganathan, the programme continues to identify and support top-performing students across Africa, including Kenya. He revealed that scholarships are expected to be awarded at the end of the training camp, with five Kenyan students currently enrolled at the Academy’s Kigali campus, hosting 30 students.
Shanmuganathan noted that admission into the Academy is highly competitive, with a fixed annual cohort of 30 students based on available scholarship funding. While there are ambitions to grow the programme in the future, potentially doubling enrolment to 60 students annually, the current capacity remains limited. He also highlighted the significance of the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad as Africa’s most competitive mathematics contest for secondary school students, with top performers often gaining access to international scholarship opportunities.
CEMASTEA stands as a premier institution offering quality training in STEM and supports the teaching of STEM-related subjects to enhance learning.
