Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) is a unique platform in East Africa that allows young people to demonstrate their talents in sciences and math, with the aim of transforming Kenya through innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

YSK, in collaboration with BLAZE By Safaricom and other partners, is making STEM accessible to all through the National Science and Technology Exhibition. The exhibition is now in its 2nd year, and seeks to open up a world of opportunities in STEM by reaching students in all 47 counties through an intensive high school outreach programme, with the aim of positioning STEM subjects as attractive, accessible and necessary to the achievement of Kenya’s economic growth goals.

The second Young Scientists Kenya National Science and Technology Exhibition will take place on 7th & 9th August 2019. The exhibition will be opened by H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta and graced by dignitaries from both national and local governments.
Winners of the exhibition will be announced on 9th August with fantastic prizes and opportunities in all scientific categories including some special prizes.

BLAZE by Safaricom has, for the 2nd year running, taken up the platinum sponsorship for the YSK National Science & Technology Exhibition. As part of the sponsorship deal, valued at KES 20 million cash and an additional KES 25.5 million in kind, BLAZE will receive title recognition and lead placement of the Brand Logo and Branding in all resources and publicity related to the project and annual exhibitions.

For young learners, being a part of Blaze-YSK means getting the opportunity to build entrepreneurship skills. Innovation and commercialization will be some of the top skills the learners get equipped with to enhance self-sufficiency.

As today’s world is moving into the entrepreneurial space, people have to create jobs and moreso employ and create jobs for others. To transform Kenya and Africa by extension to a 21st century, technology and innovation is key.

Kenya’s future will be driven by Science, Technology & Innovation. STEM is crucial because local problems should be solved using both local and foreign solutions through a STEM ecosystem.

Investment and commitment from all players in STEM are key actions in promoting and improving Innovation and Technology. Interest and showcasing of scientific knowledge should be cultivated from a very young age and be part of our way of life.

The Government through the Ministry of Education has purposely committed to reviving Science, Technology and Innovation through the Kenya Science & Engineering Fair (KSEF), The National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) whose mandate is to regulate and assure quality in the science, technology and innovation sector and advise the Government, Center for Mathematics, Science & Technology in Africa (CEMASTEA) whose mandate is to build the capacity of mathematics and science teachers for effective classroom practices not only in Kenya but also in countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

YSK is working on building stronger linkages and consolidation with other existing STEM initiatives for maximum impact; working with technovation mentors, judges, sharing outreach activities and working with technovation finalists participating in YSK Exhibition.

YSK intends to increase its presence in all the corners of the country through:

• Providing a STEM learning ecosystem to coordinate STEM initiatives, and to have higher impact that will influence policy.
• Additional strategic partners for resourcing
• Scaling up the outreach nationwide through the STEM schools
• Direct links of the student’s projects to SDGs

Young learners and aspiring scientists must know that for Kenya to achieve Vision 2030, the Big 4 Agenda and SDG goals, the bedrock for success is on Science, Technology and Innovation. YSK has the solutions for tackling these problems through STEM.