Basic science and engineering – Kenya National Commission for UNESCO

Empowering Educators for a Digital Future: the UKPPL digital earning project

j.gitahi — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 06:29:19 +0000

The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM), in partnership with the Ministry of Education and with the support of UNICEF, is promoting ICT Integration in Education through the UKPPL Digital Learning Programme.
This initiative aligns with the Education Sector Strategic Plan (2023–2027), the KNATCOM Strategic Plan 2024-2028 that promotes Inclusive and equitable quality education, and the Government of Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), reflecting the nation’s commitment to advancing quality education through technology and innovation.

Through the programme, comprehensive ICT Integration course content was developed and digitized into a dynamic Learning Management System (LMS) accessible via https://elearning.unesco.go.ke, with technical support from ICT Authority Kenya. The self-paced course builds the capacity of facilitators, school leaders comprising of the Board of Management and the Head of institutions, and teachers, enabling them to integrate ICT effectively in teaching and learning.
To date, over 600 primary school teachers from more than 14 counties across Kenya have enrolled. Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate of achievement, recognizing their digital competency.
In addition, the programme has collaborated with community radio stations to create awareness among teachers, learners, and parents on key Digital Learning policies, including the Policy on Information and Communication Technology in Education and Training, the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, and the Data Protection Regulations. Teachers were also sensitized on the existing digital learning opportunities, enabling them to make informed use of emerging educational technologies and platforms.
During the monitoring and evaluation exercises, teachers expressed overwhelming satisfaction, noting that the course has strengthened their capacity to apply digital tools in lesson delivery, making learning more engaging, enjoyable effective.
By equipping educators with 21st-century digital skills and promoting responsible use of technology, Digital Learning has an immense potential in shaping a future-ready generation and advancing Kenya’s vision for inclusive, innovative, and technology-driven education.

National Consultation On 2024 Global Education Meeting

j.gitahi — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 11:50:21 +0000

The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO in collaboration with the UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Eastern Africa convened a national consultation for the preparation of the 2024 Global Education Meeting at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD). The meeting was attended by representation from the Ministry of Education, SAGAs, other line Ministries, partners and youth.

The expected output of the country process is a summary report of the country’s consultative feedback on the draft Fortaleza Declaration in preparation for the 2024 GEM. The outputs of the national consultations will then be consolidated for the Eastern and Southern Africa sub-region consultative meeting and discussed during the sub-regional consultation in Nairobi, Kenya at the end of August 2024. These sub-regional inputs will be further consolidated at the continental level and submitted as sub-Saharan Africa’s regional feedback. At the global level, all regional inputs will be integrated into the draft outcome document before its adoption at the 2024 GEM in Fortaleza, Brazil, on 31 October and 1 November 2024.

Since the adoption of the SDG4-Education 2030 agenda, UNESCO convenes periodic Global Education Meetings (GEMs) to review the progress made in line with the Education 2030 Framework for Action. The 2024 GEM will be held in Fortaleza, Brazil, on 31 October and 1 November 2024. will build on the Accelerating Progress Towards SDG4: Stocktake of Transformative Actions in Education meeting convened by the SDG4 High-Level Steering Committee (HLSC) – the global education apex body – on 17 June 2024 at UNESCO Headquarters.

The opening ceremony was graced by the Director General, Ministry of Education – Dr Elyas Abdi represented by Dr Ndegwa Gichuhi; KNATCOM was represented by Ag. Deputy Secretary General Dr Joel Ongoto and Mr. Mamadou Lamine Sow, Director a.i/Chief of Education – UNESCO Multisectoral Regional Office for Eastern Africa was represented by Ms. Feddal Scheherazade.

Congratulations to Four Kenyans for Winning UNESCO Scholarships and Awards for 2024

j.gitahi — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 05:45:23 +0000

Four (4) Kenyans are recipients of two respective UNESCO scholarships and awards –UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowship Programme in Engineering and the UNESCO MAB Young Scientists Award. Chepkurui Janet and Muthiani Perpetua Ndumi are recipients of the UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowship Programme in Engineering. The two are two of the 30 global recipients drawn from 22 countries. Six Kenyans were beneficiaries of the same fellowship in 2023.

The UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowship Programme offered by UNESCO, the Polish National Commission for UNESCO and the UNESCO Chair for Science, Technology, and Engineering at the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow (Poland) will run for six (6) months, commencing in October 2024. During the fellowship, Janet Chepkurui will focus on artificial intelligence during which she will design robotic systems capable of managing data flows functioning through the interaction of physical, network and computational components to enable smart applications and real-time operation. Perpetua Muthiani will be working on assessment of geoinventory and valuation of geological elements and geodiversity at selected sites in Kenya.

Nevil Sigana and Faith Obwoyere are recipients of the UNESCO MAB Young Scientists Award. This award targets young researchers carrying out interdisciplinary research in line with UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and priority is given to projects carried out in biosphere reserves on ecosystems, natural resources and biodiversity. Nevil research will focus on documentation of local and indigenous knowledge systems in the conservation of Malindi-Watamu-Sokoke Biosphere Reserve while Faith focus on land use practices-seasonal climatic variations-human-wildlife conflicts nexus in Mount Elgon Biosphere Reserve with implications for conflict management and peace building.

To increase uptake of UNESCO fellowships, prizes, awards and grants, Kenyans are encouraged to apply for these opportunities when the next call is made in 2025.

“The award of these scholarships and grant to Kenyans is a testament of the many opportunities that exists that thrust UNESCO indeed as a capacity builder, clearing house for information, laboratory of ideas and a catalyst for international cooperation in the areas of education, sciences, culture and communication and information. I congratulate the winners and wish them well as Kenya’s ambassadors as they pursue their fellowship, translate and implement the many creative ideas towards addressing the challenges that we face as a country and as a global community”

Dr James Njogu

Ag. Secretary General/CEO

STEM Boot Camp Turkana County

j.gitahi — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 08:32:19 +0000

Girls challenged to embrace STEM Subjects and Careers during the STEM Boot Camp in Lodwar, Turkana County.

Girls from Turkana Secondary schools pose for a group photo with the the guest of honor – CEC Education Turkana County, CDE Turkana County, mentors, STEM Coordinators and their accompanying teachers during the STEM Mentorship Boot Camp in St. Monica Girls Boarding Comprehensive school in Lodwar, Turkana County.

Woman and girls are under-represented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics course and career pathways. Globally, the proportion of women in STEM-related field is below 30%, and this under representation of one gender in science is not only detrimental to scientific progress but also its a major impediment to socio-economic development. According to 2021 UNESCO Science Report, globally, women remain a minority in digital information technology, computing, physics, Mathematics, engineering representing only 22% of Artificial Intelligence professionals, 33% of researchers are women, 12% are in academies of science and 2% in venture capital for tech women led start-ups. In Kenya, only 8% of professional engineers are women. Several factors contribute to the dismal uptake of STEM among girls and underrepresentation of women and girls in STEM including social stereotypes, lack of role models, cultural norms and expectations and economic barriers. For example, social stereotypes often portray STEM fields as masculine and reinforce the idea that boys are naturally better at STEM subjects. These stereotypes can discourage girls from pursuing STEM interests or careers. Lack of role models especially a shortage of visible female role models in STEM fields, may discourage girls from pursuing STEM courses or careers. Economic carriers including cost of tuition, transportation, or access to technology, can also prevent girls in marginalized communities including refugees from pursuing STEM education opportunities. The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO in partnership with the Ministry of Education, UNESCO, National Commission for Science, Technology, and Innovation have been implementing a programme aimed at promoting the uptake of STEM since 2014 through STEM Camps of excellence for girls across the 46 counties. On 22nd -26th April 2024, Kenya National Commission for a one-week STEM mentorship camp for girls. This mentorship camp which also included training of teachers in gender responsive STEM education and hosted by St Monicah Girls Boarding School in Lodwar brought together over 140 from one to three girls drawn from over 12 schools from Turkana County. This now bring the coverage of counties covered since the programme was initiated to 47 Counties. The opening ceremony was graced by the Hon. Etelej Korea Moses the Chief Officer in charge of Education Turkana County, Ministry of Education officials, KNATCOM, Rotuno Kipsang, Chief of Zonal Office for UNICEF in charge of Turkana and West Pokot, Felic Rono from UNESCO, representatives from NACOSTI and KUCCPS, STEM mentors and teachers from various partners. During the opening ceremony, the Secretary General of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO Dr James Njogu challenged the girls to remain focused and overcome social stereotypes, unconscious bias, cultural norms and expectations and economic barriers to embrace STEM subjects and careers. During the camp students will be mentored by women mentors, trained in coding, 3D printing, app development and robotics. The camp is coordinated by the Kenya National Commission and the Ministry of Education, through partnership with UNICEF and UNESCO.

Gallery

TVET Trainers challenged to embrace emerging technologies for effective delivery of high-quality Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) content to spur innovation and promote entrepreneurship and job creation.

j.gitahi — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 08:43:04 +0000

TVET Trainers urged to embrace emerging technologies for effective delivery of high-quality Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)

TVET Trainers poses for a group photo during the capacity building workshop for TVET Trainers on emerging technologies

The Commission organized a capacity building workshop for TVET Trainers on emerging technologies that brought together 35 participants from Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia and Vihiga Counties. The workshop is meant to integrate 21st Century learning design and ICT tools to enhance training of skills in TVET that meet the skills demand while leveraging on digital transformation and the opportunities associated with the 4^th Industrial revolution.

The event was graced by the Dr Boniface Okoth, County Executive Committee Member in charge of Education, Science and Technology, Kakamega County, Dr Ing Calvin Onyango the Director General of Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI) and Dr James Njogu HSC the Ag. Secretary General/CEO of Kenya National Commission for UNESCO.

TVETs are engines for leapfrogging the country development to a double-digit economy as well as achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in context of Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) in Kenya. During the opening ceremony, Dr. Njogu challenged the participants to promote the development of skills that address the existing skills gaps, foster entrepreneurship and leverage on green economy to innovate and for job creation. He noted that this is consistent with the UNESCO TVET Strategy 2022-2029 that empathizes promotion of skills development for empowerment, productive employment and decent work and facilitate the transition to a more digital, green, and inclusive societies.

Facilitators were drawn from critical institutions including Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA), NuElectric, (South Africa), Asah Creative Solutions, and State Department of Higher Education and Research.

This is one of the series of workshops that the Commission has been undertaken in various Counties in the Country.

STEM Girls Boot Camp

j.gitahi — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 08:50:47 +0000

Theme: “Keeping girls in the picture”

The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM) in partnership with UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa, Ministry of Education and the STEM Impact Centre hosted 108 girls during the STEM Girls Boot camp for schools in Kwale County on 14-16^th August 2023. The Kwale segment of the training was hosted by Waa Girls High School and happening concurrently with a similar Boot Camp in Kajiado both funded by PRADA through UNESCO.

Coordinated by Education and Natural Sciences Programme, the “Keeping Girls in the Picture” the two STEM Camps were of the ongoing initiatives to promote the uptake of STEM among girls thus addressing their under-representation in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers pathways. During the three-day mentorship camps, the girls were exposed to the 21^st century skills and artificial intelligence including coding, 3D printing, Robotics and Mobile Apps Development. The students were also taken through mentorship on the role of Mathematics in making career choices and life skills by various mentors and were challenged to take the lead and change the narrative. Also present were Ministry of Education Officials, teachers from participating schools. Students presented very innovative projects in the areas of 3D printing, Robotics and Mobile Apps.

The three-day camp in Kwale county was officially opened by Dr. James Njogu, HSC, Ag. Secretary General/CEO, KNATCOM who encouraged the girls to break the glass ceiling by overcoming any barriers (both real and imaginary) and pursue career pathways of the future associated with STEM. The Boot Camp in Kajiado was officially opened by Madam Elizabeth Otieno, Deputy Director, Policy, Partnerships and East African Community Affairs.

Six Kenyans Awarded UNESCO/Poland Engineering Scholarships.

j.gitahi — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 11:50:24 +0000

Six (6) Kenyans have won the prestigious UNESCO/Poland Co-Sponsored Fellowship Programme in Engineering under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and Poland.

The fellowships offered by UNESCO, the Polish National Commission for UNESCO and the UNESCO Chair for Science, Technology, and Engineering at the AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow (Poland) will run for six (6) months, commencing on 2nd October 2023.The Programme seeks to promote human resource capacities in science and engineering in the developing countries and to enhance international understanding and friendship among peoples.

The six were part of the seven applications that were submitted, reviewed, endorsed and forwarded by the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO to UNESCO for consideration.

The six (Eric Kimathi Kamwara, Eva Mithiri Wainaina, Jane Njoki Nderu, Lenson Wangila, Shalom Chemutai Maina, and Wycliffe Onsongo Nyakenucha) will join other 24 recipients drawn from Africa; Arab States; Asia and the Pacific; and Latin America and Caribbean for a six-month fellowship at AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, Poland starting on 2nd October 2023 to 30th March 2024. The awardees will pursue Mechanical Engineering, Transport Engineering (1 awardee); Environmental Engineering, Mining and Energy (1 awardee); and Earth and Related Environmental Sciences (4 awardees).

“The award of these fellowships to Kenyans is a demonstration long established relation and the support and benefits associated with being part of the UNESCO networks while ensuring that Kenyans reap the full benefit through access to opportunities”, stated Dr. James Njogu, Ag. Secretary General/CEO, KNATCOM.

Fore more information on the upcoming UNESCO Fellowships https://www.unesco.org/en/fellowships

KNATCOM Hosts the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa Natural Science Sector Team

j.gitahi — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 19:07:02 +0000

Natural Sciences team from both KNATCOM and UNESCO Regional Office of Eastern Africa (ROEA) held their monthly bilateral meeting at KNATCOM Offices today morning, aimed at bolstering implementation of joint activities in areas of mutual interest consistent with the Kenyan Government priorities, KNATCOM Strategic Plan and UNESCO Medium-term Strategy. Among the key issues discussed were building Artificial Intelligence (AI) capacity of university lecturers in Kenya and the region; installation of digital libraries to mainstream and enhance uptake of STEM courses among secondary school students; hosting of a regional DRR Workshop; a harmonized approach in contributing towards upcoming Africa Climate Week and Summit leveraging on the lessons learnt and experiences from Geopark and Man and Biosphere Programmes.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to review progress and efforts needed to escalate the nomination process of the first Geopark in Kenya (Baringo Great Rift Valley aspiring Geopark) and revitalizing the National Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme Committee as well as the coordination of the forthcoming International Day of Geodiversity and International Day of Biosphere Reserves.

The UNESCO team consisted of Mr. Nur Yuslan, Dr. Mary Nyasimi and Samuel Mwangi Nderitu. Their Natural Science Programme KNATCOM counterparts were Dr. George Eshiamwata and Mr. Brian Waswala.

The joint meeting culminated in the team paying a courtesy call to KNATCOM Ag. SG/CEO Dr. James Njogu HSC, who expressed his appreciation to UNESCO for the continued cordial working relationship and support. Dr Njogu used this opportunity to present to UNESCO copies of the “Baseline Socioeconomic Survey” Mapping Current Nature-Based Products, Services and Stakeholders’ Need Assessment at the Baringo Great Rift Valley aspiring Geopark”. This survey was supported by UNESCO as part of the Participation Programme.

KNATCOM hosts a Girl Student STEM-ICT Camp of Excellence

j.gitahi — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 09:02:08 +0000

The Kenya National Commission of UNESCO in partnership with UNESCO Eastern Africa Regional Office; Ministry of Education, Kenya); The National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI); Intel and Microsoft recently hosted a STEM Camp for Students and Teachers in TumuTumu Girls’ High School, Karatina.

The 5-day “STEM/ICT Camp of Excellence: Closing the Digital Divide”, (27 June – 1 July 2023) brought together 135 girls from 21 from Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Nyandarua and Samburu Counties schools. The training sought to increase the uptake of STEM among secondary school Girls through nurturing and inspiration; mainstreaming of critical thinking and problem-solving mindset; knowledge sharing through mentors and peer-peer learning; provide hands-on experience on emerging technologies such as 3D printing, coding and robotics; and introduction to the 21st century jobs among others. The women mentors were drawn from climatology and climate change; human and animal medicine; pharmacology; marine and ocean sciences; engineering and technology; mathematics; physics; science and innovation; architecture and building sciences; earth sciences including geology; computer/innovation; AI experience sharing fields.

Happening concurrently at the same venue was the training of STEM Teachers in Gender Transformative STEM and Digital Skills Education Training. The teacher training brought together 52 teachers drawn from the 34 Counties. These interventions are meant to address under-representation of girls and women in STEM fields. According to a 2021 UNESCO science report, globally, women are minority in digital information technology, computing, physics, mathematics and engineering, representing only 22% of artificial intelligence professionals. 33% of the researchers are women, only 12% in academic of science and 2% in venture capital for tech women led startups. Cumulatively, the percentage of females studying engineering, manufacturing and construction or ICT is below 25% in over two-thirds of countries globally.

In his opening remarks, KNATCOM Ag. SG/CEO Dr. James Njogu emphasized the need to ensure equitable access of STEM education and careers for girls and women. He recognized that there is a growing demand for female professionals with STEM and digital skills, since these skills are critical in supporting the school to work transition through multiple and dynamic STEM career pathways. He commented the mentors for supporting this programme since inception in 2014 and the partners who have alongside KNATCOM coordinated this mentorship and capacity building programmes. He noted the support from UNESCO through the Intel Project, Ministry of Education, Teachers Service Commission, National Commission for Science Technology and Innovation challenging them to continue supporting this programme for sustainability and impact.

The mentorship debunked the myth that science courses were hard and a preserve of the male dominated gender; a perception that has resulted to girls less likely than boys to study STEM in higher education.

The STEM-ICT Camp of Excellence hosted in Karatina was the seventh annual physical STEM Girls Camp. It is envisaged that the trained teachers will translate their skills in the regions and schools including training other teachers and students.

TVET instructors to embrace emerging technologies in pedagogy to develop skills for industrial revolution

j.gitahi — Fri, 06 May 2022 13:15:14 +0000

Skills development provided by TVET institutions is considered as a key factor that can help a country mitigate and adapt to the impact of globalization, rapid technological change, trade liberalization, increase exports and foreign direct investment and address the environmental questions linked to climate change and the increased international movement of labour. This is the engine of economic development, international competitiveness and knowledge-intensive economic sectors or sub-sectors. The importance of a successful TVET system in imparting world-class skills for global competitiveness on the one hand, and to link informal economies to formal through the provision of skills that enable people to access decent jobs and integrate into mainstream economic life on the other, cannot be over-emphasized.

The Kenya National Commission for UNESCO appreciates the critical role of TVET in addressing global challenges of youth unemployment, skills demand and supply mismatch. Through the UNESCO Strategy for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) 2016-2021, Member States are required to enhance the relevance of their TVET systems. This is meant to equip all youth and adults with the skills required for employment, decent work, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning and contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a whole. At national and regional levels, TVET is critical in addressing national development priorities and targets including the Big Four Agenda, the Vision 2030 blueprint and the African Union 2063 Agenda and its Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2014-2024.

The Commission organized a training of TVET instructors’ workshop that was held from 12-13^th April 2022 at ARC Hotel, Egerton University, Nakuru. This is part of a series of such capacity building initiatives to develop capacity of TVET trainers in emerging technologies preparing TVET teachers/trainers to competently use digital tools, technologies and resources to deliver effective online or offline distance learning. This has spin off to effective delivery of high quality STI content and teaching that promotes innovation, life skills and achievements for learners.

The objectives of the workshop were to train TVET teachers/trainers to use digital communication tools and online learning platforms; develop teachers’/trainers’ skills and competencies to apply these tools, technologies and resources in a pedagogically effective manner, equip technical trainers with information on emerging opportunities and best practices including skills for circular economy; and deliberate on challenges and constraints to the uptake and mainstreaming emerging technologies and innovations in TVET training programmes.

The workshop brought together over 35 TVET instructors drawn from TVET institutions in Baringo, Kericho, Narok and Nakuru counties. With facilitators drawn from Micro and Small Enterprises Authority, Technical Vocational Educational Training Authority, Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute, African Centre for Technology Studies, Kenya Association of Manufacturers and the Kenya Innovation Agency, the workshop provided an opportunity to share experiences and equip TVET instructors with mentorship skills that will translate into increased interest among learners in creativity and innovation.

In her opening remarks, the Secretary General/CEO of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, Dr. Evangeline Njoka, challenged the participants to embrace emerging technologies in their pedagogy and to develop skills to enable the youth leverage on the opportunities that come with the fourth and fifth industrial revolution including the jobs of the future thus bridging the skills supply and demand gap. She also encouraged them to use the skills acquired from the training to teach their colleagues.

The workshop was organized in the form of presentations, group discussions and plenary discussions during which some of the topics covered included enhancing competitiveness of small and medium enterprises through application of science, technology, and innovation; role of TVET in realization of sustainable development; latest trends and technologies important for industrialization; overview of emerging technologies of importance to TVET; latest trends and technologies important for industrialization; industry needs and skill supply: mismatch and challenge to industrialization; TVET and innovation and existing support mechanisms and research opportunities in TVET. The instructors were challenged to provide solutions to existential societal problems through increased research, innovations, partnerships and skills developed.