The United States (US) and Kenya governments are forging a partnership for improving capacity development in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
This was revealed during a visit of Centre for Mathematics Science Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) by Dr Sian Proctor, one of four distinguished scientists in the US Department of State who was selected to serve as new US Science Envoy in 2024
CEMASTEA is among institutions the US will partner with, a partnership that will see empowerment Kenyan teachers to drive better learning outcomes in STEM.
The visit by Dr Proctor on Tuesday was an outcome of the recent State visit to the US by President William Ruto.
The purpose of the CEMASTEA visit was to engage with the leadership of the ministry on opportunities for science and technology-focussed institutions with a view to identifying areas of mutual benefits for the US-Kenya collaboration.
The collaboration seeks to support training of teachers to inspire learners to pursue science and technology courses and careers.
Dr Proctor indicated that part of the partnership driven through the US Science Envoy program will empower teachers to adopt best teaching practices that will equip their students with skills and knowledge about co-creation of solutions to emerging environment crises like climate change.
She added that Kenyan teachers and students will also have opportunities for exposure to space science, exploration and research in the bid to inspire Sub Sahara Africa to actively participate in planet care for better and sustainable livelihoods.
The accomplished Space scientist observed that space science and exploration is key in the partnership that aims to open opportunities for the youth in the trillion dollar industry that is growing exponentially in the next decade.
The US government is expanding equitable access to new frontiers in STEM to increase meaningful participation in the global quest for collective sustainable solutions to planet challenges.
Dr Proctor is the first female commercial astronaut spaceship pilot and the only African American woman to ever be a space mission pilot. She is also the first African-American commercial astronaut, and the first African-American to paint in space.
The scientist currently serves as a member of the National Space Council Users’ Advisory Group, representing the Maricopa Community Colleges.
She is one of the four distinguished scientists to serve as United States Science Envoys. Others are Dr Rumman Chowdhury, a data scientist, Dr Stephanie Diem, a Nuclear Engineer, and Dr Dawn Wright, an Oceanographer.
Through the US Science Envoy program, eminent US scientists and Engineers leverage their expertise and vast networks to drive collaborations seeking practical and sustainable solutions to shared challenges.
CEMASTEA centre’s Board Chairman Dr Paul Mutisya reiterated the Kenyan government`s commitment to firm intergovernmental and public-private partnerships that will bolster STEM education and research in the country.
He said the centre is committed to providing training to curriculum implementers and conducting educational research in a timely, efficient and effective manner.
CEMASTEA CEO Jacinta Akatsa commended the support from the US, saying the collaboration will boost the agency`s effort to build the capacity of science and mathematics teachers in senior schools across the country.
CEMASTEA is a public education institution established in the year 2003 to provide and coordinate In-Service Education and Training (INSET) for practising teachers of Mathematics and Science in Kenya.
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