As we celebrate our Silver Jubilee, we honour the visionary leaders who have guided CEMASTEA to greater heights over the last quarter-century. The Centre has been blessed with remarkable leaders whose devotion, passion, and commitment have helped shape the institution's success and influence. These Kenyan and Japanese leaders dared to dream and envision a future for STEM education in Kenya and Africa. They displayed exceptional foresight, strategic thinking, and unshakable commitment in furthering CEMASTEA's objective and goals, taking sometimes unpopular but brave actions to make their vision a reality. Their transformative leadership paved the way for innovative programs and strategic partnerships that continue to empower teachers and educators, excite students, and catalyze positive change in Kenyan classrooms and across Africa.

Pioneer leaders for the Strengthening of Mathematics, Science in Secondary Education (SMASSE) Project in Kenya included Professor Karega Mutahi, then Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education, Mr Oyaya, then Chief Inspector of Schools (currently referred to Director of Quality Assurance); Mr Bernard Mbugua Njuguna, first Head of INSET Unit (that run the Project) at Kenya Science Teachers College(KSTC); the late Mr Samuel Kibe, a long time Education Consultant for JICA and advisor on STEM education for the SMASSE Project. Directors who have steered CEMASTEA include Mr. Obadiah Maganga, Hon. Mrs Peula Lelei, Mrs Lynette Kisaka, Mrs Cecilia Ngetich, Mr Moses Kawa, and Hon Mr. Stephen M. Njoroge. The Centre also had pioneer staff including the late Ms. July Ominde, Secretary; Ms Jane Marete Senior Administration officer and Mr. Alfred Muriithi, Senior Procurement Officer who made sure that administrative, office and project procurement issues were up to date.

On the Japanese side was the late Mr. Takahiko Sugiyama, first Chief Advisor for the SMASSE Project 1998-2008. Sugiyama oversaw the project spread in Kenya and to 34 countries in Africa with the establishment of SMASE Africa Association.  Others included Prof. Shigekazu Takemura, a dedicated and globally renowned expert of Physics Education and Academic Advisor for the project, Mr. Keiichi Naganuma who succeeded Mr. Sugiyama as Chief Advisor, Atsushi Matachi, Academic Advisor, Hazuki Uchiyama, Science Education Expert and Noriaki Tanaka, Project Coordinator.  Japan also sent numerous short-term experts in mathematics and science. The founding Kenyan counterparts for the SMASE project were; Dr. Marguerite  Khakasa  Miheso-O'Connor ,(Kenyatta University; Prof. Justus O. Inyega, University of Nairobi; the late Simon Kinyua, Regina Ng’anga, and Dr. Waitutu Michael (Kenyatta University).

These leaders’ visionary leadership and staff’s tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to duty laid the foundation for CEMASTEA's success. Their legacy continues to inspire CEMASTEA leadership as it strives to build a brighter and more prosperous future and the pursuit of excellence in STEM education.  Indeed, the current leadership looks upon this rich history and draws inspiration to continue along this path of faith, inspiration, and excellence to impact future generations of educators, learners, for many years to come.