President Kenyatta Opens 3rd Annual YSK Science & Tech Event

H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta today officially opened the Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) Online National Science & Technology. Celebrating giants and pioneers, this was the third event of its kind and the first-ever virtual event.

64 projects. 120 students. 31,000 of some of the brightest students across 47 counties. 22 countries.

The Young Scientists Kenya (YSK), Kenya’s inaugural science & technology competition, worked side by side with the Embassy of Ireland, Kenya’s Ministry of Education, and BLAZE by Safaricom Plc.

President Kenyatta said in his opening address that “As your Patron, I continue to be very proud of the remarkable way in which you have adopted to the challenging circumstances that we face. By moving this exhibition online, you have shown the vibrancy of digital technology, and its ability to offer safe solutions to our personal challenges.”

With a dynamic mix of participants drawn from both public and private schools, rural and urban, it reflected Kenya’s and Africa’s diversity. It included the participation of two special needs schools. As has been the case for almost everyone this year, the young scientists went digital, collaborating remotely to get their work done.

He singled out some of the accomplished students such as Brenda Githinji from Daraja Academy whose brilliance earned her not one, but two scholarships, who worked with Sophia Ndunge, congratulating the overall runners up.

As well as Isaac Mwendo and Kimani Kamau from Nova Pioneer Boys School for creating a very relevant and incredibly timely cybersecurity software, currently under review for intellectual property protection by the Kenya Industrial Property Institute. This year’s projects have not just been relevant, they have also been timely, tackling not just the pandemic, but the Big Four agenda as well.

“These and all other successful stories should serve as a continuing inspiration to all of us. They show the importance of nurturing our young people, and affording them the platform, to showcase their talent, their ideas, and their innovations,” he said.

This year’s event combines a digital experience with mentorship opportunities. It runs from today till Friday 11 December where there will be virtual awards. It will showcase some of the brightest students Kenya has to offer as they highlight their projects.