Twenty Refugee schools from Kakuma and Dadaab made the cut to participate in this year’s Young Scientists Kenya ninth National Science and Technology Exhibition at Moi Girls High School, Nairobi, bringing together 154 student projects selected from more than 1,500 submissions received from across the country.
Held under the theme “Shaping Kenya’s AI Future Using STEM,” the exhibition allows secondary school students to present solutions addressing challenges in areas such as health, agriculture, engineering, climate change, technology, and social development.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Chief Guest, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, highlighted the government’s commitment to youth-driven technology solutions.
“Artificial intelligence is already here, and seeing our young people apply it to real-world challenges like precision farming and solar energy is inspiring,” said Prof. Abdulrazak. “As we develop our national AI policy, the government will continue supporting these young minds through mentorship and innovation hubs to ensure their creativity drives Kenya’s future.”
Dr. Victor Mwongera, National Director of Young Scientists Kenya, highlighted the importance of practical exposure to technologies transforming industries and workplaces.
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“Artificial intelligence has evolved from a novel innovation into an essential skill across modern industries,” said Dr. Mwongera. “For this technology to truly succeed in Kenya, our learners must grasp it at a young age, treating it as a practical tool to solve community challenges and navigate their future careers.”
Beyond the project displays, the four-day programme includes practical learning sessions designed to prepare students for life beyond the exhibition. Opening day features a financial literacy session led by KCB Foundation, followed by the official ceremony and afternoon exhibitions.
Students will continue presenting their projects through Thursday while gaining direct access to YSK alumni, scientists, and industry leaders. These interactions offer learners practical insights into transitioning a school project into university research, a technology career, or a commercial enterprise.
The Exhibition will also feature interactive sessions led by Safaricom and Mtoto News, alongside a dynamic “Ask Me Anything” panel on Kenya’s AI future with Gen Z AI consultant Simran Budhabhatti and Zerobionic founder Maxwell Opondo.
Global ICT and enterprise computing leader Oracle will also facilitate a workshop titled “Future-Proofing Your Career: Navigating the Power and Perils of AI,” examining emerging career pathways and ethical technology deployment.
The exhibition concludes on Saturday, 8 August, with the grand closing ceremony and award presentation for outstanding student innovations. Guests and judges will have one final opportunity to view the projects on the exhibition floor before winners are announced.
Through this annual platform, YSK offers young minds a practical space to test bold ideas, receive expert feedback, connect with fellow innovators, and harness STEM to address pressing community challenges.
