Teachers and learners in Taita Taveta County have benefited from a hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) mentorship programme rolled out by the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) to strengthen science learning and improve uptake of STEM subjects in schools.
The Ministry of Education and the agency this week conducted outreach workshops in selected schools across the county, engaging learners in practical science, mathematics and ICT activities aimed at stimulating interest in STEM pathways ahead of their transition to senior school under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum.
Speaking during the outreach programme, CEMASTEA STEM Mentorship and Outreach Coordinator Joseph Kuria said the initiative seeks to demystify mathematics and science while preparing more learners to pursue careers in science and technology that are critical to Kenya’s industrialisation agenda under Vision 2030.
“We want learners to understand that mathematics and science are not difficult subjects. Through practical activities, we are encouraging them to develop interest in STEM pathways as they move to senior school,” said Kuria.
He noted that the government targets at least 60 per cent of learners under CBE to pursue the STEM pathway in senior school, underscoring the need to nurture confidence and interest in science subjects at an early stage.
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According to CEMASTEA, the outreach programme emphasises experiential learning, allowing learners to interact directly with scientific equipment, ICT devices and classroom experiments to build critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and digital literacy skills.
The institution has been conducting similar outreach activities in counties far from Nairobi to bridge gaps in access to STEM resources and laboratory facilities. So far, the programme has reached 11 counties, including Nairobi, Nakuru, Machakos, Nyeri, Kilifi, Garissa, Baringo, Kisumu, Kakamega, Uasin Gishu and Kajiado.
In Taita Taveta, CEMASTEA officials are expected to visit five schools, where learners will participate in sessions covering integrated science, mathematics and pre-technical studies.
Kuria acknowledged the shortage of laboratories in many junior schools but maintained that lack of infrastructure should not hinder practical science learning.
“The absence of laboratories should not stop schools from conducting experiments. Teachers can still carry out practical activities in classrooms using simple apparatus and improvised materials,” he said.
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He added that CEMASTEA plans to establish STEM centres within counties to improve access to scientific equipment and practical learning opportunities.
Teachers who participated in the programme praised the initiative for helping change negative perceptions towards STEM subjects among learners.
Christine Mutati, a teacher at Mwanyambo Junior School, said the workshops had made science and mathematics more engaging through practical learning experiences.
“Many learners believe that mathematics and science are only meant for very bright students, but this programme is helping change that perception. Learners are now more confident and excited about STEM subjects,” she said.
Mutati added that the outreach had also equipped teachers with more learner-centred teaching approaches that rely on practical demonstrations and real-life applications rather than theory alone.
She urged education stakeholders to support schools with laboratories, science apparatus and learning materials to enhance effective implementation of STEM education under CBE.
Learners who attended the sessions described the programme as inspiring and transformative.
Grade Nine learner Reynold Mwabanga said the activities had motivated him to use physics knowledge to solve community challenges such as electricity shortages and inspired him to explore science-based entrepreneurship.
Another learner, Wendy Kalega, said the outreach had changed her career aspirations.
“Before this programme, I wanted to choose social sciences, but now I want to pursue STEM and become a dentist,” she said.
Education experts say strengthening STEM education remains key to developing a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, industrial growth and technological advancement in Kenya.
CEMASTEA says it will continue expanding the outreach programme to more counties to improve performance and uptake of STEM subjects nationwide.
By Michael Oduor
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