Machakos: Young learners from Machakos County had a rare opportunity to interact with leading scientists and lecturers from across the world during a science outreach programme aimed at inspiring the next generation of engineers, researchers, and innovators. The Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA), in collaboration with the African School of Fundamental Physics and Applications (ASP), hosted the outreach programme at Machakos Girls High School to mentor students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), with a special focus on physics.
According to Kenya News Agency, CEMASTEA Coordinator for Junior and Senior School Programmes Philip Maate stated that the partnership with ASP enabled learners to engage with renowned scientists and lecturers from the United States, Switzerland, Europe, and Asia, exposing them to global perspectives in science and renewable energy. ‘The partnership has made it possible to bring together leading scientists and lecturers from the United States, Switzerland, Europe and Asia who have excelled in this field to engage directly with students and future engineers pursuing STEM pathways, particularly physics,’ said Maate.
Philip underscored that the programme also brought together students from neighbouring schools in Machakos, giving more learners an opportunity to explore the role of physics in addressing global challenges, including the development of renewable energy. He emphasised that the mentorship opportunities and interactions with experienced scientists will motivate learners to pursue careers in science, technology, and innovation.
Maate noted that CEMASTEA has witnessed growing interest in STEM subjects since the introduction of the outreach programmes, with more students enrolling in science pathways and participating in science and engineering competitions. The coordinator also observed a significant rise in the number of girls choosing STEM subjects, particularly physics, describing the shift as a positive step toward achieving greater gender equity in science education.
The outreach programme forms part of ongoing efforts by CEMASTEA and its partners to cultivate scientific talent, encourage innovation, and prepare young people with the skills needed to address Africa’s future development challenges through science and technology. Beyond Machakos schools, Maate says CEMASTEA is extending the programme to schools at the grassroots level, including junior schools. Through the initiative, learners will be able to access a virtual laboratory to support learning and experimentation in STEM pathways.
The centre says the virtual platform will help bridge resource gaps and ensure more students, regardless of location, can experience practical science learning. With global expertise, local mentorship, and wider access to tools, CEMASTEA and its partners say the goal is to build a stronger, more inclusive pipeline of young scientists and engineers ready to tackle Kenya’s energy and technology challenges.
Professor Christine Darve of Sweden, a member of the International Organizing Committee of ASP, remarked that the current programme marks the organisation’s ninth biennial outreach initiative. Held every two years, the programme aims to promote physics education across Africa by engaging and inspiring young students. Prof. Darve noted that a strong foundation in physics is essential for nurturing the next generation of engineers, researchers, and innovators.
Harrison Ndingili, a Physics and Chemistry teacher at Machakos Girls and an Alumnus of the ASP programme, highlighted the programme’s impact on learners, especially those taking physics. He noted that the outreach is opening doors for students to explore different career paths. Since the outreach began, motivation among female students pursuing STEM has grown, leading to increased uptake of physics among girls.
At just 16 years old, Yvonne Mumbua fro Machakos Girls High School expressed how her passion for physics was strengthened during the outreach programme. For her, physics is a way of understanding the world through motion, energy, and invisible forces. Similarly, 16-year-old Kelvin Kamau of Kathiani Boys Senior School is discovering that science isn’t confined to one subject, as he starts noticing connections across subjects.
For Form Three student Dennis Oloo of Mumbuni High School, learning about particle accelerators during the outreach programme opened a new perspective on the role of science in medicine. The experience deepened his appreciation of the relationship between physics and healthcare, reinforcing his ambition to pursue a career in medicine.
