The prestigious 2026 African Olympiad Academy (AOA) Rising Stars Training Camp has officially kicked off at the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA), bringing together some of the top and most talented students in mathematics, science, and informatics.
Speaking during the camp’s opening ceremony at the centre in Karen, Nairobi, CEMASTEA Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gladys Masai said the programme is crucial in advancing STEM education in Kenya, as it engages and prepares learners to tackle and solve complex problems.
Through rigorous mathematics contests and a selective process, students earn the opportunity to secure prestigious scholarships.
The students who qualify will get admission to the AOA in Kigali, Rwanda, to advance their training.
The intensive contest is specifically designed to further prepare the students for major global competitions such as the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad (PAMO) and the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).
The exercise promotes collaborative learning and knowledge exchange among CEMASTEA and its key partners, including the University of Nairobi (UoN) and the University of Waterloo’s Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC), which play a key role in advancing STEM education.
Through collaboration, Ms. Masai noted that the initiative reflects CEMASTEA’s ongoing efforts to build capacity and develop talent as it continues to nurture young minds in STEM fields.
“This engagement demonstrates our dedication to nurturing talent and advancing excellence in mathematics, science, and technology education,” she said, adding that the training camp, organised in collaboration with the African Olympiad Academy and partners including the University of Nairobi and the University of Waterloo, aims to prepare students for competitive participation at continental and international levels.
She pointed out that this year’s programme expands beyond mathematics to include informatics, which she said aligns well with global trends and national education priorities.
According to Masai, the broader scope will equip learners with relevant digital and problem-solving skills needed in today’s innovation-driven world.
“We are opening more opportunities for students to participate competitively at continental and international levels, including the IMO and PAMO. More importantly, we are equipping learners with relevant skills that will enable them to thrive in an increasingly digital and innovation-driven environment,” she explained.
Participants are expected to benefit from intensive training designed to strengthen critical thinking, resilience, collaboration, and inquiry-based learning.
Addressing the students, Ms. Masai encouraged them to seize the opportunities before them. “You represent some of the most promising young minds in this country,” she reminded them.
“Your selection is a recognition of your potential but also a responsibility,” she noted, urging them to remain curious, learn from one another, and not fear making mistakes.
She also commended teachers, trainers, and mentors for their vital role in shaping the next generation of innovators, highlighting their contribution as essential to both student success and national development.
CEMASTEA reaffirmed the importance of strategic partnerships in expanding opportunities for young learners and strengthening Kenya’s global competitiveness in STEM fields.
Ms. Masai expressed optimism that the 5-day training camp would not only prepare students for upcoming Olympiad competitions but also inspire them to pursue excellence beyond the classroom and contribute meaningfully to society and around the world.
According to the Co-founder and Executive Director of the African Olympiad Academy, Arun Shanmuganathan, the programme continues to identify and support top-performing students across Africa, including Kenya.
He revealed that the Academy consistently considers top-performing Kenyan students, with scholarships expected to be awarded at the end of the training camp. Currently, five Kenyan students are enrolled at the Academy’s campus in Kigali, which hosts 30 students.
Shanmuganathan noted that admission into the Academy is highly competitive, with a fixed annual cohort of 30 students based on available scholarship funding.
On whether the institution plans to expand its student intake, Shanmuganathan said that while there are ambitions to grow the programme in the future, potentially doubling enrolment to 60 students annually, the current capacity remains limited.
He also highlighted the significance of the Pan-African Mathematics Olympiad, describing it as Africa’s most competitive mathematics contest for secondary school students. Each participating country selects six top students: three boys and three girls to represent the country.
The competition typically features around 30 teams from across the continent, with participants competing for gold, silver, and bronze medals.
Top performers in such competitions often gain access to international scholarship opportunities at leading universities in Africa and beyond.
CEMASTEA is a premier institution that offers quality training in STEM and supports the teaching of STEM-related subjects to enhance learning.
By Ian Chepkuto
