Students in Kajiado County have been encouraged to embrace Physics and other Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects to prepare for careers in science, innovation, and industrial development.
The call was made during a physics outreach programme at Oloolaiser High School organized by the African School of Fundamental Physics and Applications (ASP) in partnership with the Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA).
The programme brought together Grade 10 learners, teachers, and scientists from Kenya and abroad to promote practical learning and inspire interest in physics.
Learners also interacted virtually with researchers at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, where they gained insights into cutting-edge scientific research and the real-world applications of physics.
Speaking during the event, CEMASTEA Deputy Dean of Physics Prof. Njeri Mbugua said the outreach seeks to shift learners from rigid assessment-driven memorization to safe exploration of physics concepts
She noted that physics plays a critical role in industrialization and innovation, adding that ASP is committed to nurturing interest in the subject among young learners across Africa.
Prof. Mbugua explained that ASP also conducted a five-day teacher training workshop at CEMASTEA on competency-based education, low-cost experiments, and concept mastery to strengthen STEM teaching in schools.
Teachers who attended the training described it as valuable in enhancing practical teaching skills, particularly in emerging areas such as astrophysics, astronomy, radiation, and the polarization of light.
Physics and Mathematics teacher Vincent Birisi of Oloolaiser High School said the workshop equipped teachers with practical approaches that they will pass on to learners, while Jemimah Ng’ang’a of Enoomatasiani Girls said it enhanced their capacity to teach newly introduced topics such as space science and astronomy.
Dr. Christine Darve, a scientist at the European Spallation Source in Sweden, said ASP has been conducting physics outreach programmes across Africa since 2010, with Kenya hosting the ninth biennial programme this year at CEMASTEA.
She encouraged girls to pursue science careers, saying they have the same potential as boys to excel in scientific fields.
Students who participated in the outreach said the interaction with scientists and practical demonstrations had broadened their understanding of physics and motivated them to pursue STEM-related careers.
By Newtone Mbuka and Peter Muteti
