Principal Secretary for the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, addresses participants during the official opening of the ninth Young Scientists Kenya National Science and Technology Exhibition at Moi Girls High School in Nairobi on August 5, 2026.
NAIROBI, August 5, 2026 – Twenty refugee schools from Kakuma and Dadaab are among institutions participating in the ninth Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) National Science and Technology Exhibition, where 154 student projects selected from more than 1,500 submissions are showcasing innovative solutions under the theme, “Shaping Kenya’s AI Future Using STEM.”
The four-day exhibition at Moi Girls High School, Nairobi, has brought together learners from all 47 counties, special needs schools and refugee learning institutions to present science and technology innovations addressing challenges in agriculture, healthcare, engineering, climate change, renewable energy and social development through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Speaking during the official opening, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak said the government was committed to creating an enabling environment that empowers young innovators to transform ideas into practical solutions that contribute to Kenya’s socio-economic development.
“Our responsibility is to create an environment where young innovators can thrive, collaborate and turn their ideas into solutions that improve lives and drive national development,” said Shaukat .
The Principal Secretary said the projects on display demonstrated how learners were already applying artificial intelligence to solve real-life challenges, including precision farming, renewable energy, environmental conservation and public safety.
He added that the government was developing a National Artificial Intelligence Policy to guide the responsible adoption of the technology while supporting young innovators through mentorship, innovation hubs and commercialization programmes.
“Artificial intelligence is a game changer. It will help us improve farming, strengthen healthcare, predict disasters and build a knowledge-driven economy, but it must be developed and used responsibly,” he added.
Young Scientists Kenya National Director Dr. Victor Mwongera said the exhibition was exposing learners to practical technologies transforming industries while preparing them to use artificial intelligence to address challenges within their communities.
“Artificial intelligence is no longer a technology of the future. Our learners must understand it early and use it as a practical tool to solve community challenges and prepare for future careers,” said Dr. Mwongera.
The exhibition programme also features financial literacy training, mentorship sessions, career talks and interactions with scientists, innovators and industry leaders to help students refine their projects and explore pathways into higher education, research and entrepreneurship.
KCB Foundation Programme Manager Benson Masero said the exhibition reflected Kenya’s ambition to become a leader in the responsible development and application of artificial intelligence as outlined in the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030.
“The projects displayed here show that our young people are not waiting for the future. They are already creating solutions that can transform communities and position Kenya as a leader in innovation,” said Masero.
He said KCB Foundation continued to invest in young people through programmes that support quality education, technical skills development, entrepreneurship and digital innovation, enabling learners to become creators rather than consumers of technology.
“Never underestimate the value of your ideas. Continue asking questions, experimenting and learning because the future belongs to those who imagine solutions to today’s challenges,” he said.
The exhibition also features interactive sessions led by Safaricom, Oracle and Mtoto News, as well as discussions on Kenya’s AI future with industry experts.
Students will continue presenting their innovations before judges and visitors ahead of the closing ceremony and award presentation on Saturday, where outstanding projects will receive recognition and further mentorship to support their journey towards research, commercialization and wider societal impact.
