Three exceptional secondary school students have been awarded full three-year scholarships to study at the African Olympiad Academy (AOA) in Kigali, Rwanda, following their stellar performance at the 2026 Rising Stars Training Camp.
The camp, held from April 8th to 12th, 2026, at the Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) in Karen, Nairobi County, saw over 15,000 students vying for the coveted scholarships.
The scholarship recipients, Caleb Tanui (15) from Alliance High School, Mitchelle Ombuna (15) from Kenya High School, and Juni Pearl Mumo (15) from Alliance Girls High School, stood out as the best performers, securing their place at the prestigious academy. Known for nurturing top African talent in mathematics and informatics, the AOA will provide the students with an opportunity to excel in both fields.
At the closing ceremony of the Rising Stars Training Camp, Gladys Masai, Acting CEO of CEMASTEA, delivered a speech on behalf of Karanja Mutito, Acting Director of STEM Research and Innovation. Masai congratulated the scholarship winners on their exceptional achievement and emphasised the importance of resilience and determination in pursuing success in mathematics.
She also encouraged other participants who did not win the scholarships to persist, stressing that success would come with continued effort.
The five-day camp brought together 32 of Kenya’s brightest young learners, selected from a group of 15,000 students through a rigorous process from the Kenya Mathematics Olympiad.
The program, which integrates mathematics with informatics, aims to enhance students’ problem-solving and analytical skills, preparing them for global competitions such as the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) and the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO).
The Executive Director of the African Olympiad Academy, Arun Shanmuganathan, is specifically tasked with identifying and developing exceptional students with the potential to compete on the global stage.
According to Shanmuganathan, students at AOA undergo intensive training, tackle challenging problems, and participate in rigorous tests. The program focuses on both mathematics and coding, equipping students with the tools they need to excel in international competitions and their future academic careers.
He said the students will undergo more intensive Olympiad training, with the goal of qualifying for national teams and competing in prestigious events such as the IMO and PAMO.
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“AOA’s curriculum is designed to equip students not only for academic excellence but also for careers in technology, research, and innovation,” Shanmuganathan,
The African Olympiad Academy had partnered with CEMASTEA to offer this program, and the 2026 Rising Stars Training Camp marks the second year of collaboration between the two organisations. Together, they aim to advance STEM education and foster the development of problem solvers capable of addressing complex global challenges.
By Obegi Malack
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