The first YOUNG SCIENTISTS KENYA (YSK) Exhibition (JUBILEE DELIVERING)

The first Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) exhibition will take place at the KICC in Nairobi from July 5 to 6.

YSK is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) launched in July 2017, with the aim of promoting the diversity, resourcefulness and commercialisation of young students' ideas.
There will be Ninety projects that will be exhibited at the showcase in which more than 150 secondary schools will too participate.

YSK board chairman Kevit Desai noted on Monday that there is need for more vigour in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
"The age of innovation is getting lower by the day so it is important to invest in the young talent of the 21st century," Desai said and encouraged young innovators to attend the event.

Ireland ambassador Vincent O'Neill noted the importance of investing in skills and education for Kenya to grow economically.
“There's a direct link between this initiative and Kenya's future economic prosperity,” he said.
O'Neill noted that last year's winner from Ireland made a coding system to improve the next generation of computers and that the invention was partially sold to a US-based company at $5 million (Sh504 million).

He said that the embassy is committed to fostering linkages and financial aid and will sponsor Kenyan winners to visit Ireland to learn scientists.
“Winning projects will be supported so the innovators learn business principles. Intellectual properties will be defended and good ideas nurtured with the students at the center, in ways they are not going to be exploited.”

GOVERNMENT PROMISES RESOURCES

Education CS Amina Mohamed said that the STEM module is a key driver of education in Kenya and that it is mirrored in the government's vision 2030 and Big Four agenda.
Amina noted, however, that according to the 2017/18 KUCCPS placement, only 31 percent learners enrolled for STEM courses with over 55 percent in humanities.
"It is important to encourage young female students to enroll in STEM courses as only 25- 30 percent enrolled compared to 45-55 percent boys," she said,
The Minister said the event will trigger interest in the initiative

     The Education ministry as identified 102 secondary schools where further training of 372 teachers will take place to improve the quality of STEM.
The schools were each given robotic equipment worth Sh81 million as part of the project on which the government will spend Sh1.3 billion.
“Through this, we will increase uptake and expand the initiative,” she said, adding that schools will also be built.
Sanda Ojiambo, Safaricom's Head of Corporate Responsibility, pledged support while noting that a few secondary schools have access to STEM resources as they are scarce.