154 Student Projects At Young Scientists Kenya National Exhibition

Young innovators from across Kenya are showcasing how artificial intelligence and science can be applied to solve some of the country’s most pressing challenges at the ninth National Science and Technology Exhibition organised by Young Scientists Kenya, with this year’s event placing AI at the centre of discussions about the country’s future workforce and innovation ecosystem.

Twenty schools from the Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps are among the institutions participating in this year’s Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) National Science and Technology Exhibition, highlighting the growing inclusivity of Kenya’s science and innovation ecosystem.

The four-day exhibition, taking place at Moi Girls High School in Nairobi under the theme “Shaping Kenya’s AI Future Using STEM,” has brought together 154 student-led projects selected from more than 1,500 submissions received from secondary schools across the country.

The annual exhibition provides a platform for students to demonstrate practical solutions to real-world problems spanning healthcare, agriculture, engineering, climate change, technology and social development. This year’s edition places a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence, reflecting the growing importance of AI skills in education and the broader digital economy.

Opening the exhibition, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, said the government is keen to ensure young people play a central role in Kenya’s AI journey by nurturing innovation from an early age.

“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.”

His remarks come at a time when Kenya is increasingly positioning itself as a regional leader in digital transformation and artificial intelligence, with policymakers working on frameworks that encourage responsible AI adoption while building local talent.

According to Young Scientists Kenya National Director Dr. Victor Mwongera, introducing learners to emerging technologies early is essential if the country is to build a workforce capable of competing in an increasingly AI-driven global economy.

“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 exhibition floor, the event has been designed to expose students to practical knowledge that extends beyond classroom learning. Throughout the programme, participants will engage with scientists, industry experts and YSK alumni, providing opportunities to learn how school science projects can evolve into university research, technology careers and commercial ventures.

The programme also includes sessions aimed at equipping learners with broader career and life skills. A financial literacy workshop led by KCB Foundation opened the event, while students will also participate in interactive engagements hosted by Safaricom and Mtoto News.

Artificial intelligence remains a recurring theme throughout the exhibition. One of the highlights is an “Ask Me Anything” discussion examining Kenya’s AI future, featuring Gen Z AI consultant Simran Budhabhatti and Zerobionic founder Maxwell Opondo. The session is expected to explore how young people can participate in shaping the country’s AI landscape while addressing opportunities and emerging challenges.

Global technology company Oracle will also host a career-focused workshop titled “Future-Proofing Your Career: Navigating the Power and Perils of AI,” where students will examine emerging opportunities in the AI economy alongside discussions on ethical technology deployment and responsible innovation.

The exhibition will conclude on Saturday, 8 August, with an awards ceremony recognising outstanding student innovations. Judges and invited guests will have a final opportunity to review projects before winners are announced.

For Young Scientists Kenya, the exhibition continues to serve as more than a science competition. It has evolved into a national platform that encourages young innovators to experiment with new ideas, receive mentorship from experts, collaborate with peers and demonstrate how STEM education can be applied to solve challenges facing communities across Kenya.

The inclusion of schools from Kakuma and Dadaab further underscores the organisation’s efforts to broaden access to STEM opportunities, ensuring that innovation and scientific talent can emerge from every part of the country regardless of circumstance. As Kenya continues investing in digital skills and artificial intelligence, initiatives such as the YSK exhibition are helping cultivate the next generation of scientists, engineers and technology innovators who will shape the country’s future.