Young Scientists Challenged to Drive Kenya's AI Future Through Innovation
By Faith wanza mueni
NAIROBI, Aug. 5 – The Government has challenged young innovators to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to develop home-grown solutions capable of transforming Kenya's economy and addressing national challenges.
Speaking during the opening of the 2026 Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) National Science and Technology Exhibition, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, said Kenya is positioning itself as a leader in responsible AI development through the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2025–2030).
The exhibition, themed "Shaping Kenya's AI Future Using STEM," has brought together students from across the country to showcase innovations aimed at solving real-world problems.
Prof. Abdulrazak said AI is no longer just a technological advancement but a catalyst for economic growth with applications in agriculture, healthcare, education, finance and public service.
"The innovative projects showcased here demonstrate that our young people are not waiting for the futurethey are actively creating it. They are applying science, technology, engineering and mathematics to solve real-life challenges in their communities," professor Abdulrazak said.
He observed that the young innovators have the potential to become researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs and technology leaders capable of building AI solutions for Kenya, Africa and the global market.
The PS urged students to remain curious and innovative, noting that science is about asking the right questions as much as it is about finding answers.
"Continue thinking outside the box, continue inventing and continue pushing yourselves because your creativity will drive this country's future," professor Abdulrazak said.
Prof. Abdulrazak highlighted AI's growing role in precision agriculture, saying the technology can support early warning systems for floods and droughts, detect crop pests and diseases, improve food production through satellite technology and revolutionise healthcare through telemedicine and AI-assisted diagnosis.
He added that Kenya is developing an AI policy to complement the National AI Strategy while ensuring the technology is adopted responsibly and ethically.
Calling on young people to use digital platforms wisely, he encouraged them to believe in themselves and remain focused on developing innovations that improve lives.
"You are the co-pilots of transforming Kenya into the next economic frontier. Nobody else will do it for us. It is ourselves who will shape Kenya's future," professor Abdulrazak said.
Young Scientists Kenya National Director, Dr. Eng. Victor Mwongera, said this year's programme recorded significant growth, reflecting increasing interest in STEM education and AI among learners.
He said Young scientist Kenya conducted 12 outreach programmes across the country, reaching more than 13,700 students, while partnering with the Kenya Science and Engineering Fair (KSEF) to train teachers on artificial intelligence.
Mwongera said 308 students from across Kenya qualified to exhibit their projects at the national exhibition after months of research, mentorship and innovation.
"We are very proud of these students. They have worked tirelessly to develop solutions that address real-life challenges. They are here not only to showcase their projects but also to learn from fellow innovators, mentors and industry partners," victor said.
He noted that AI has evolved from being a buzzword into an essential skill increasingly demanded in the workplace and classrooms.
"Artificial intelligence has become a tool that young people can use to develop innovation, build careers and solve everyday problems. We want schools to continue embracing digital learning and AI education," Mwongera added.
Mwongera thanked partners including KCB Foundation, UNICEF, Oracle Academy, Embassy of Ireland Kenya, Raspberry Pi Foundation, Google Developer Groups, AfterBank and other organisations for supporting STEM education and innovation among young people.
He also encouraged visitors to engage with students during the exhibition, saying every project represented months of dedication, learning and teamwork.
KCB Foundation Programme Manager Benson Masero reaffirmed the foundation's commitment to supporting young innovators through strategic partnerships that nurture scientific talent.
Masero said KCB Foundation was proud to support the national exhibition because it provides learners with a platform to showcase innovations that contribute to Kenya's development agenda.
"The theme of this year's exhibition, 'Shaping Kenya's AI Future,' is timely and aligns with Kenya's national aspirations. The National AI Strategy recognises AI not merely as a technological advancement but as a catalyst for economic growth and transformation," Benson said.
He noted that young innovators are already demonstrating how AI and STEM can address challenges in agriculture, healthcare, education and environmental conservation.
"Today's celebration is about imagination, innovation and determination. Every student exhibiting here has already achieved something extraordinary by earning a place among the country's top science projects," Masero said.
Masero praised the diversity of participants drawn from all 47 counties, including learners from refugee and special-needs schools, saying the exhibition proves that talent knows no boundaries.
He thanked teachers, parents, mentors and development partners for nurturing young scientists and reaffirmed KCB Foundation's commitment to investing in programmes that equip youth with skills needed to drive inclusive and sustainable development.
The annual Young Scientists Kenya National Science and Technology Exhibition continues to provide a platform for learners to showcase innovative solutions while promoting scientific research, creativity and collaboration among schools, universities, industry and government in advancing Kenya's innovation ecosystem.
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