Big prizes up for grabs as students expo gets underway

The annual four-day national science and technology exhibition for secondary school students is underway featuring over 100 entries from 214 secondary school learners.

The overall winners of the expo that ends on Friday will take home Kes50,000 each as well as a scholarship offer from Strathmore University.

The runners up will be getting Kes40,000 and smartphones from Safaricom.

Four category awards will also be up for grabs, with winning students receiving Kes30,000 each, while the first and second runners up will receive Kes20,000 and Kes10,000 respectively.

The categories are: Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences; Technology; Biological and Ecological Sciences; and Social and Behavioral Sciences.

The expo is the culmination of an online adaptation of Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) outreach and mentorship programme that targeted over 100,000 students from all 47 counties since 2018.

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The exhibition, which has been organised by YSK in partnership with the Ministry of Education, The Embassy of Ireland, and BLAZE by Safaricom was officially launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“The theme of this year’s exhibition is ‘Securing Our Future with STEM,’ as we have put significant effort into inclusivity and ensuring that no one is left behind. We are pleased with the diversity of the projects received from across the country, and I look forward to an exciting virtual exhibition that will showcase the talent and creativity of Kenya’s budding scientists,” said Loise Kinyanjui, YSK Executive Director.

BLAZE by Safaricom has provided a Kes9 million sponsorship as well as Kes750,000 worth of airtime towards the event.

BLAZE will also award the overall winners with smartphones, while students in second and third positions will each receive headphones.