- Education stakeholders have called for increased investment in student innovation to help transform learners’ ideas into commercially viable solutions.
- Speakers said the Competency-Based Curriculum is nurturing creative problem-solvers but requires stronger funding, mentorship and industry partnerships.
- Learners from Kenya, Singapore and South Africa showcased innovations aimed at addressing real-world challenges.
Education stakeholders have called for increased investment in student innovation, saying Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) is nurturing a generation of creative problem-solvers but requires stronger financial, institutional and policy support to transform learners’ ideas into commercially viable products capable of driving the country’s economic growth.
The leaders made the appeal during the annual Kids’ Conference held at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), where primary and secondary school learners from Kenya and several other countries showcased innovative projects designed to provide practical solutions to real-life challenges.
The conference brought together educators, researchers, innovation experts, students and international participants in a forum aimed at promoting creativity, research, entrepreneurship and collaborative learning among young people.
Speaking during the event, JKUAT College of Engineering and Technology Principal Dr. Hiram Nderitu said innovation should not stop at the classroom level, emphasising that learners require sustained mentorship, funding, incubation programmes and partnerships with industry even after graduation to enable them to commercialise their inventions.
He noted that while the Competency-Based Curriculum is successfully equipping learners with practical skills, creativity and critical thinking, many promising innovations fail to progress beyond school due to inadequate support systems.
Dr. Nderitu said the curriculum is producing learners capable of identifying societal problems and developing practical solutions through research, teamwork and innovation.
“We must create an environment where young innovators can transform their ideas into products and services that benefit society and contribute to economic growth,” he said.
He further urged policymakers, universities, research institutions and the private sector to collaborate in creating innovation ecosystems that provide financial support, mentorship and market access for young inventors.
Teachers urge greater investment
Mary Hill Girls High School Arts and Theatre teacher Betty Gakii echoed the sentiments, saying today’s Generation Z learners are naturally innovative, technologically informed and eager to explore creative solutions to everyday challenges.
She attributed this transformation to increased access to digital technologies and the learner-centred approach adopted under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum, which encourages students to pursue their interests while developing practical skills aligned with their talents.
Gakii challenged both the government and parents to invest more in nurturing learners’ abilities through mentorship programmes, modern learning resources and opportunities for experiential learning.
“The growth we have witnessed has been remarkable. Learners are becoming more innovative, more confident and faster at acquiring new skills because they are now learning through practical experiences,” she said.
Conference promotes global collaboration
Kids’ Conference founder and convener Dr. Stephen Spain said the annual event was established to provide learners with a platform to showcase their innovations, conduct research and develop confidence in presenting their ideas before wider audiences.
He said the conference encourages participants to move beyond theoretical classroom learning by identifying real-world problems and designing practical solutions capable of improving communities.
According to Dr. Spain, nurturing innovation among young people is essential in preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs and innovators who will spearhead sustainable development and technological advancement.
George Mwangi, Convener of Kids Conference Africa, said the initiative seeks to expose learners to international opportunities while sharpening their ideas through mentorship, networking and collaboration.
He noted that bringing together participants from different countries enables learners to exchange knowledge, appreciate diverse cultures and gain new perspectives that inspire greater creativity and innovation.
Learners seek more opportunities
Participating learners also appealed for greater support to help young innovators transform their ideas into impactful projects.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Neema Boinet called for more innovation forums where learners can present their ideas, interact with industry experts and receive mentorship to refine and commercialise their inventions.
She said such platforms provide invaluable exposure and encourage young people to believe in their ability to solve pressing societal challenges.
Her colleague, Gibson Ochieng, observed that young people possess immense creativity, determination and the ability to develop practical solutions through research, technology and collaboration if given the right opportunities.
Although still in school, he said learners are fully aware of the challenges facing society and are eager to contribute innovative ideas capable of improving lives and supporting national development.
The conference attracted learners from primary and secondary schools across Kenya alongside participants from countries including Singapore and South Africa, creating a vibrant platform for cross-border exchange of ideas, innovation and cultural experiences.
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The event concluded with the recognition of outstanding student innovations, with organisers expressing confidence that sustained investment in young innovators, stronger partnerships and supportive policies will help transform creative ideas into practical solutions that address local and global challenges while contributing to Kenya’s economic growth, job creation and sustainable development.
By Felix Wanderi
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