Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has lauded the new Centre for Mathematics Science and Education and Technology in Africa (CEMASTEA) Strategic Plan 2023-2027 to be a defining step in developing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in the country.
The CS in a speech read on his behalf by the Director of Projects Coordination in the Ministry of Education, Elijah Mungai, said the plan will address the skills gap crisis existing globally where businesses fail to attract the right talents in STEM-based careers.
“We believe, as a sector, that CEMASTEA is one of the key institutions that will revolutionize how STEM education is implemented at the school level,” he said.
Machogu assured of the government commitment to supporting and expanding the number of students pursuing advanced degrees and careers in STEM fields by promoting the participation of women and marginalised communities.
Also, the government will ensure expanded the STEM-capable workforce, and increased STEM literacy for all students, including those not pursuing STEM-related careers.
“I therefore urge the Board, Management, and staff of CEMASTEA, as well as the stakeholders, to spare no effort in ensuring successful implementation of this Plan to enable CEMASTEA to meet high expectations already placed on the centre,” he said.
At the same time, CEMASTEA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jacinta Akatsa, said the launch of the strategic plan is a well-thought-out and focused move, as it will address the existing gaps and spearhead the centre into the next high level towards meeting the expectations of the nation and the centre.
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“The strategic plan is very crucial, as it will steer the centre into the next high level,” she said.
CEMASTEA is a Pan-African institution serving Kenya and other African countries. It serves as the official headquarters of the Strengthening Mathematics and Science Education in Africa (SMASE-Africa) Association as well as the Secretariat for the Inter-Country Quality Node on Mathematics and Science Education for the Association for Development of Education in Africa (ADEA ICQN-MSE) on behalf of the ministry.
The government’s Vision 2030 Medium-Term Plan IV, which embodies the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), prioritises STEM education for inclusive growth under the Human Capital Development in the Social Sector Pillar, which aims to strengthen STEM skills and reduce the cost of strategic projects requiring expatriates’ expertise.
By Vostine Ratemo
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