Concerted efforts by the Ministry of Education through Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology in Africa (CEMASTEA) to increase the uptake of mathematics and science subjects in the country was boosted by distribution of STEM equipment to the first batch of STEM schools.

 Fred Matiang’i Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Education is welcomed by Mr. Stephen Njoroge, Director CEMASTEA. The CS, was the chief guest during the launch of the 2^nd batch of STEM schools and flagging off the STEM equipment for the 1^st batch of STEM schools at CEMASTEA, Nairobi

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Stephen Njoroge, Director CEMASTEA, defined a STEM school as one that learners are interested in science, manages the resources that they have been provided with efficiently and one that has a program that encourages leaners to inculcate societal values. He further defined Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) as an interdisciplinary facet that provides students with a hands-on experience.  He urged principals to allow learners to interact with STEM equipment donated by the Ministry of Education or other partners.  

Stephen Njoroge Director CEMASTEA

Dr. Fred Matiang’i, Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Education, who was the chief guest commissioned the launch of the second batch of STEM schools and flagged off the distribution of equipment for the first batch of STEM schools.

Dr. Fred Matiang’i flags off the STEM equipment for the first batch of STEM schools at the foreground is the Director Mr. Njoroge CEMASTEA and senior education officers

The CS, commended CEMASTEA for saving and purchasing STEM equipment worth thirty- two million shillings. He further directed two hundred and fifty-eight million shillings set aside for science equipment in his ministry to be channeled to the CEMASTEA to purchase additional equipment for schools. The CS added that the equipment he was launching would go a long way in alleviating some of the problems principals encounter due to lack of equipment.   

Dr. Fred Matiang’i hands over a list of items during the distribution of STEM equipment to Ms. Consolata Kimuya, Principal, Buruburu Girls High School at CEMASTEA

Dr. Matiang’i, challenged CEMASTEA to conduct monitoring and evaluation of the ninety-four schools that were being supported by the Ministry of Education and CEMASTEA and the impact they have within their communities.  

Dr. Fred Matiang’i Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Education speaking at CEMASTEA during the launch of the second batch of STEM Schools

The equipment purchased will be used as teaching and learning of STEM subjects. Some of the items include Hoffmans apparatus, fractionating columns, voltmeters, Cathode Ray Oscilloscope (CRO), Binocular light microscopes, potometers, scientific calculators, mobile graph boards, set of mathematical shapes plus geoboard, LCD projectors, laptops and textbooks. Principals from the 1^st batch of STEM schools were in hand to receive the equipment. This equipment will impact more than 43,000 learners across Kenya.

Nancy Nui, Dean of Mathematics, CEMASTEA (right) hands over STEM equipment to Mrs.Mary Principal Kapropita Girls High School