The Deputy President, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, officially opened the 2025 Nyanza International Investment Conference (NIIC) on behalf of President Dr. William Samoei Ruto.
The highly anticipated event, held in Kisumu, brought together top government officials, business leaders, international investors, and policymakers to discuss economic growth and investment opportunities in the Nyanza region.
The Deputy President was received by NIIC Co-Patrons, Eliud Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff for Performance and Delivery Management in the Executive Office of the President, and Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, alongside a distinguished delegation of county and national leaders.
Among them were governors from key counties, including Kisumu’s Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, Bungoma’s Kenneth Lusaka, Homa Bay’s Gladys Wanga, Migori’s Ochillo Ayacko, Kisii’s Simba Arati, Siaya’s James Orengo, Nyamira’s Amos Nyaribo, Vihiga’s Wilberforce Otichillo, and Busia’s Paul Otuoma.
Senior government officials in attendance included Treasury CS John Mbadi, Co-operatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya, Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, Housing CS Alice Wahome, Labour CS Dr. Alfred Mutua, and Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, among others. The President’s Council of Economic Advisors was represented by Prof. Vincent Machuki and Hon. Moses Kuria.
The conference attracted international investors from 28 European Union countries, as well as delegations from India, China, Latin America, Turkey, and South Korea.
Diplomats present included ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, Eritrea, Germany, and Belgium, alongside representatives from UNEP and the EU Delegation.
University vice-chancellors, members of parliament, parastatal heads, and private sector leaders were also in attendance, underscoring the significance of NIIC 2025 in promoting regional economic transformation.
Following the opening ceremony, the Deputy President proceeded to commission the new Huduma Centre at Ojola, reinforcing the government’s commitment to enhancing public service delivery in the region.
NIIC 2025 highlighted Nyanza’s growing role as a strategic investment hub, with key discussions focusing on trade, infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
The Nyanza International Investment Conference 2025 opened at Ciala Resort in Kisumu, with Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, Eliud Owalo, delivering a keynote address urging urgent and strategic investments to unlock the region’s vast economic potential.
Speaking before a distinguished audience that included Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki, who represented President William Ruto, alongside cabinet secretaries, governors, principal secretaries, development partners, and investors, Owalo painted a compelling picture of Nyanza’s challenges and opportunities.
He called for an end to decades of economic neglect and political marginalization, emphasizing that despite its abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and strategic location, the region continues to lag behind.
He highlighted that Nyanza still struggles with high poverty levels, youth unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure, despite its vast agricultural potential and being home to Africa’s largest freshwater lake.
He revealed that 40 per cent of the region’s population lives in abject poverty, while Nyanza counties contribute only 9.3 per cent to Kenya’s manufacturing sector, with each of the six counties recording an average Gross County Product of just 1.5 per cent.
Additionally, critical sectors such as agriculture and healthcare remain underdeveloped, exacerbating the region’s economic struggles.
Owalo called for a complete rethinking of Lake Victoria’s role in the region’s economy, emphasizing its potential as a gateway for regional trade, a driver of fish processing, and a hub for tourism.
He urged stakeholders to invest in lake transport, value addition in fish processing, and the modernization of processing plants, pointing out that the Lake Victoria Ring Road is a game-changer that will connect communities, boost regional trade, and open up new tourism opportunities.
He outlined several priority investment areas aimed at transforming the region’s economic landscape, including modernizing Ahero and West Kano Irrigation Schemes to increase rice production, reviving cotton farming to support the textile industry and expanding sugar production following the enactment of the Sugar Act 2024.
In manufacturing and industrialization, he proposed establishing processing plants for fish, hides, coffee, and sweet potatoes to create employment and increase value addition.
He also emphasized the untapped potential of mining, particularly at Macalder mines in Migori, which hold significant gold, copper, and zinc reserves.
Infrastructure, Owalo noted, is a crucial pillar for economic growth. He cited the planned Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension to Kisumu, Malaba, and Isiolo by 2027 as a game-changer that will improve trade and logistics.
He also identified key energy projects, including the 60MW Sondu Miriu hydroelectric plant, Koru-Soin Dam, and the 120MW Magwagwa Multipurpose Dam in Nyamira County, which will provide clean energy and water for irrigation, industry, livestock, and domestic use.
Calling for immediate action, Owalo urged investors, development partners, and government stakeholders to seize the immense opportunities available in Nyanza.
He emphasized that the time for discussions is over, and now is the moment for action, stressing that Nyanza’s future should be defined by economic transformation rather than political rhetoric.
He reassured investors that the Kenya Kwanza administration remains committed to fostering an inclusive and investment-friendly environment that supports sustainable economic growth.
With bold strategies outlined and a call for collective action, the Nyanza International Investment Conference 2025 signals the beginning of what could be a transformative economic journey for the region.
Residents of Garissa and surrounding counties can now breathe a sigh of relief following the opening of a new passport office in Garissa town.
This new facility, which will also offer other vital Immigration services, was officially inaugurated by President William Ruto.
The launch is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to ensure that all citizens have equal access to essential government services, regardless of their geographical location.
In his speech during the opening ceremony, President Ruto emphasized that the new office represents the fulfilment of an electoral pledge made by his administration to restore passport printing services, which were halted in 2014.
The closure of Garissa and other regional passport offices had been due to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) recommendations for centralized passport printing, aimed at enhancing the security of travel documents and preventing forgeries.
However, the introduction of the modern and integrated e-Passport Management System has paved the way for the decentralization of the passport application process, allowing regional offices like Garissa to resume services while adhering to ICAO’s global passport security standards.
The new Immigration office in Garissa is set to benefit not only residents of Garissa County but also those in Mandera, Wajir, and parts of Tana River, Lamu, Kitui, and Isiolo counties.
By bringing services closer to home, applicants in these areas will save both time and money currently spent travelling to Nairobi and other regional offices.
Garissa now becomes the 10th passport application centre in Kenya, and the third to be opened by President Ruto after Kericho and Bungoma.
Other centres include Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Embu, Eldoret, and Kisii. This expansion demonstrates the government’s dedication to improving accessibility and convenience for citizens across the country.
Immigration & Citizen Services Principal Secretary Julius Bitok highlighted that the reopening of the Garissa office, coupled with the elimination of vetting for national ID card applicants in border counties, would promote fairness and equality in access to identity and registration documents.
The discontinuation of vetting is expected to lead to a significant surge in passport applications at the Garissa office.
In his recent proclamation, President Ruto also signed a directive to stop the vetting process for ID cards in North Eastern and other border countries.
This development is expected to encourage many residents in the region to apply for passports and other services at the newly opened Garissa office.
The office will also feature a dedicated migrant labour desk designed to fast-track passport applications for those seeking job opportunities abroad.
Additionally, it will provide services to approximately 2,000 Hajj pilgrims and travellers seeking passports for medical, educational, business, social, and leisure purposes.
According to Hassan Ole Naado, the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), more than 50 per cent of the Hajj pilgrims in Kenya come from the Northeastern region.
This year, Kenya has been allocated 4,500 slots for the Hajj pilgrimage and applicants must secure their visas by April to participate in the religious gathering scheduled for May.
Kenya’s End Malaria Council (EMC) is intensifying efforts to bridge the funding shortfall in the country’s malaria control initiatives, with a renewed focus on tapping into private sector resources.
As part of a broader regional push, the council is working to ensure sustained progress in Kenya’s fight against malaria, which remains a significant public health challenge despite recent strides.
The urgency of this mission is underscored by the 2025 End Malaria Councils and Funds Chairs Meeting, which brought together leaders from seven African nations, including Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Zambia and Eswatini in Nairobi.
The meeting focused on raising the estimated US$6.3 billion needed annually to sustain and expand malaria control efforts across the continent.
Chris Getonga, the Chair of Kenya’s End Malaria Council, emphasized the critical role of domestic resource mobilization, particularly from the private sector, in ensuring that malaria control programs can continue and thrive.
He highlighted the risk that declining global donor funding could reverse the significant progress made in malaria control, with many nations now relying on local solutions to address the funding gap.
Kenya has made notable progress in reducing malaria prevalence, dropping from 8% in 2015 to 6% in 2023, but challenges remain.
In 2022, the country reported 5 million malaria cases and more than 12,000 deaths, underscoring the ongoing threat.
Despite these challenges, the country faces a 50% funding gap, hindered further by the growing issue of insecticide resistance, particularly in high-prevalence regions like Lake Victoria.
In response, the EMC has successfully mobilized resources to support ongoing malaria control efforts. Since its launch in 2021, the council has secured US$400,000 from SC Johnson for biolarviciding efforts using drones in Busia County, as well as US$1 million for social behaviour change campaigns, the establishment of malaria clinics at border areas, and the deployment of new malaria prevention tools.
The Nairobi meeting also addressed the global challenges affecting malaria control, including a recent suspension of US foreign aid funding for 90 days, which has disrupted critical malaria programs in many African countries.
As Mazrui Nassor, Zanzibar’s Minister of Health, noted, 70% of funding for malaria efforts on the continent still comes from external sources.
He called for increased domestic investment to reduce the continent’s reliance on international donors and ensure long-term success in eliminating malaria.
As the continent faces a critical juncture in the battle against malaria, the Nairobi summit reinforced the need for sustained funding, innovation, and collaboration across sectors to accelerate the progress needed to achieve malaria elimination by 2030.
Kenya’s End Malaria Council is committed to playing a key role in this mission, leveraging private-sector partnerships to continue pushing forward the fight against one of Africa’s most enduring health threats.
Lake Ol-Bolosat is showing signs of revival, thanks to short and seasonal rains that have hit the area over the past few months.
This resurgence has brought relief and renewed hope for fishermen who rely on the only lake in the Central Highlands for their livelihood.
Joseph Mbuthi and Erick Munene, both boat riders and fishermen at the lake, expressed optimism that the lake’s improving condition will continue, supporting their income and daily sustenance.
Fishing is permitted at Lake Ol-Bolosat in Nyandarua County, where it sustains small-scale fishing for both subsistence and commercial purposes.
However, the lake’s fish population remains low due to several factors, including habitat loss, water abstraction, and high evaporation rates. Two years ago, these challenges led to the lake completely drying up.
According to Mbuthi and Munene, mudfish are the most commonly caught species. The lake is also home to a variety of bird species and a significant population of hippopotamuses.
Nyandarua Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Game Warden Paul Wambugu highlights the lake’s importance as a critical water resource supporting both local communities and aquatic life.
A number of hippos that had migrated to nearby dams when the lake dried up are now returning as water levels rise again.
However, Wambugu is calling for concerted efforts to protect the lake from pollution and environmental degradation to safeguard the wildlife and ecosystem that depend on it.
Cervical cancer is not just a medical condition – it is a deeply personal battle for thousands of women, girls and families in Kenya. I have seen too many young mothers, vibrant daughters, and strong grandmothers receive a diagnosis that could have been prevented. I have witnessed the pain in their eyes, the fear in their voices, and the desperate hope that they could have done something sooner.
We must talk about cervical cancer differently. We must deal with it differently because the difference that will determine our success lies in screening and prevention. By shifting our approach, prioritizing early detection, and embracing Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, we can change the outcome. This is a strategy which we must scale up as a country to save lives, because when we tackle cervical cancer the right way, we win.
‘Amina’ (not her real name) walked into our clinic for what she thought was a routine check-up. She had been experiencing abnormal bleeding for months but assumed it was just a hormonal imbalance or stress taking a toll on her body. At 38 years old, she had never had any major health concerns. This was a first. She was looking for reassurance, a simple explanation, and perhaps some medication to regulate her cycle.
However, as we proceeded with screening and additional tests, the results pointed to something far more serious – cervical cancer. Despite coming to the hospital as soon as she noticed changes, the disease had already advanced. The moment we had to break the news to her was heartbreaking. Like so many women, she wished she had known about cervical cancer screening and the HPV vaccine earlier. She wished someone had told her that this disease, which was now threatening her life, could have been prevented.
She fought valiantly, and we fought alongside her, but despite every effort, she lost the battle. She left behind three young children, a grieving husband, family, and friends – a life that could have been saved if she had been screened earlier. Her story is not unique; it is the reality for thousands of women in Kenya who receive a diagnosis too late. For some, the barrier is cost. For others, it is lack of information.
This is where government intervention is critical. Women and girls must have access to accurate information about cervical cancer, affordable screening, and accessible HPV vaccination. These are not luxuries; they are life-saving interventions that should be available to all.
Kenya has a window of opportunity with the rollout of the Social Health Authority scheme, following the transition from the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). Is it too much to ask that this new healthcare model prioritizes cervical cancer prevention? Is the cost of screening too high when weighed against the lives lost every single day to this preventable disease?
We cannot afford to wait. We must act now. ‘Amina’s’ story is most likely the story of the over 3000 deaths from cervical cancer annually in Kenya. The Power of Prevention is the power we need from our government. Why am I saying the backstops at the government of Kenya? Because cervical cancer prevention and early detection must be a national priority.
The fight begins with three critical interventions, all of which the government can make more effective and accessible:
HPV Vaccination: Protects against the most common cancer-causing HPV strains and is most effective when given between 9 – 26 years, before exposure to HPV. Kenya offers free vaccination for 9–14-year-olds, yet uptake remains very low due to misinformation and myths. The government must step up efforts to raise awareness, debunk myths, and ensure every eligible girl is vaccinated.
Regular Screening (Pap smear & HPV testing): Detects precancerous changes before they develop into cancer. Women aged 21–60 should be screened every 3 – 5 years. This should not be a privilege – the government can make screening free and available at all medical facilities.
Early Treatment of Precancerous Lesions: Prevents cancer from developing. Treatment must be affordable and accessible, yet too many women are unable to access the care they need. The government must bridge this gap because cervical cancer is a disease we can defeat, but it, unfortunately, remains the second most common cancer among women in Kenya and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with over 5,000 new cases and 3,000 deaths annually.
But what makes this heartbreaking is that cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable. Yet, despite these tools, more than 90% of cases in Kenya are diagnosed late, when treatment is more difficult, expensive, and often too late.
We cannot afford to wait. We must act now. As a doctor, I have seen too many women like ‘Amina ’ walk into the hospital for what they believe is a routine check-up, only to leave with the devastating news of a cervical cancer diagnosis. This should not be happening. Not when we have the tools to prevent it.
On World Cancer Day 2025, stand up against cervical cancer, prevent it, fight it and end it.
Will you make a difference or be the difference Kenya desperately needs in the fight against cervical cancer?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Diana Marion is a senior medical specialist Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Gynaecological Oncology Fellow at the University of Nairobi. She is also the Secretary General, Kenya Medical Association.
Cane farmers are celebrating unprecedented sugar bonuses that have significantly transformed their livelihoods, bringing financial relief and renewed confidence in the sugar industry.
Among the biggest beneficiaries is Redempta Makhoha, a resilient woman who has defied cultural barriers to succeed in the traditionally male-dominated sugarcane farming sector.
For generations, women in her community have rarely owned land, but Redempta was determined to change that narrative.
After dropping out of school and enduring a difficult divorce, she returned to her father’s home, where he welcomed her on the condition that she would work hard to secure her independence.
Determined to succeed, she took up sugarcane farming in 2001 after her father gave her half an acre of land with existing sugarcane crops. He warned her that failure was not an option.
Redempta Makhoha tills her land in Busia County
Her first harvest yielded Ksh 26,000, which she reinvested into leasing a larger piece of land.
Over time, her relentless dedication paid off, and today, she proudly manages over 90,000 acres of sugarcane plantations.
The proceeds from her farming business have enabled her to educate her children, build her own home and even send her children abroad for further studies.
Redempta credits Mumias Sugar Company 2021 Limited for her success, though she faced setbacks when the miller shut down for over seven years.
When operations resumed, she wasted no time in re-establishing her supply chain.
Her resilience bore fruit in 2023 and 2024 when she received a bonus of Ksh 317,000, a windfall that significantly eased her financial burden.
“Receiving this bonus felt like a dream. When the money was deposited, I had to double-check if it was real. I celebrated with a few friends, then immediately withdrew some to pay my children’s school fees,” she said.
Redempta Makhoha’s proof of bonus payments.
Her story echoes across Busia County, where another farmer, Steven Ekirapa, was equally elated after receiving a Ksh 400,000 bonus.
Working in Nakuru at the time, Ekirapa was stunned when he received a bank notification.
“I was so surprised that I called the bank to confirm. Later, my farm supervisor, Sonkok, called me to verify the same. I was elated when I heard about the amount,” he recounted.
Steven Ekirapa from Busia County, received Ksh 400,000 in bonuses
The financial boost came at a crucial time, especially with January’s school fees demands weighing heavily on him.
“Before the money came in, I was struggling to keep my farm running. This bonus was a lifeline,” he added.
Steven Ekirapa from Busia County, received Ksh 400,000 in bonuses
Further, Ekirapa noted that the government’s intervention, particularly the reduction of fertilizer prices from Ksh 6,000 to Ksh 2,500, has made farming more profitable.
Beyond individual success stories, the sugar industry is experiencing a remarkable revival. Mumias Sugar Company’s Operations Manager, Stephen Kihumba, revealed that within three years, the company has registered 27,633 out-growers, a testament to the sector’s growing confidence.
To maintain trust, Kihumba assured farmers of weekly payments, ensuring a steady cash flow for those who supply cane.
He emphasized the importance of harvesting mature cane, at least 16 months old, to maximize sucrose content and profits.
Mumias Sugar Company 2021 Limited currently has the capacity to crush 8,400 tons of cane per day, a milestone that will be fully realized once the miller becomes fully operational.
The factory, which operates in the Lower Kakamega region, has successfully planted cane on 90 per cent of its 3,400-hectare nucleus land, with the remaining 10 per cent left unplanted due to heavy rains and low-lying terrain.
To enhance efficiency, the company plans to increase transportation capacity by acquiring more tractors, as more farmers sign up to supply cane.
Kihumba expressed gratitude to the government for its role in reviving the sector, citing policy interventions such as the Sugar Act 2024, which establishes sugarcane catchment areas to better manage supply, synchronize milling operations, and improve efficiency.
Mumias Sugar Company 2021 Limited’s Operations Manager, Stephen Kihumba,
On his part, the Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) CEO Jude Chesire confirmed that the bonuses were disbursed in real-time, with payments reflecting in farmers’ accounts immediately.
“The bonus, introduced by Mumias Sugar 2021 Limited, incentivizes farmers based on supply volume. The highest supplier received Ksh 500,000, while the lowest got Ksh 5,000,” he explained.
Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) CEO Jude Chesire
He highlighted that due to the reforms initiated in 2023, the sugar industry achieved a historic production of 832,000 metric tons, against a national demand of 950,000 metric tons.
“With the ongoing reforms, we expect to surpass one million metric tons within two years. Import dependency has also reduced significantly from 500,000 metric tons in 2023 to about 160,000 metric tons. In July and August, we even exceeded our national demand, producing over 80,000 metric tons per month,” he noted.
Looking ahead, he expressed optimism that by 2027, Kenya will be self-sufficient in sugar production, eliminating the need for imports and positioning the country as a net exporter.
President William Ruto reinforced this vision by announcing a historic Ksh 150 million bonus for sugar farmers who supplied cane to Kakamega’s Mumias Sugar Factory, the first such payout in the sector’s history.
The President emphasized that this milestone validates the success of the reforms introduced in the sugar sector and underscores its potential to uplift farmers and support thousands of livelihoods.
President William Ruto during the launch of the Ksh 150 million bonus program for sugar farmers who supplied cane to Kakamega’s Mumias Sugar Factory, the first such payment in the sector.
“With a record 832,000 tonnes of sugar produced last year, Kenya is on course to achieving surplus production and commencing regional exports by 2026, turning sugarcane cultivation into a viable and rewarding venture,” he said.
To further strengthen the industry, President Ruto signed the Sugar Act 2024, which establishes sugarcane catchment areas to better manage supply, synchronize milling operations, and improve efficiency.
Additionally, 50 per cent of the annual rent paid to the bank will be distributed as a bonus to farmers based on the quantity of cane supplied, ensuring fairness and transparency.
“This model can be replicated in other publicly-owned sugar companies once they are leased, and the board will conduct a comprehensive study to develop a robust system of incentives for farmers,” President Ruto stated.
As Kenya moves towards self-sufficiency in sugar production, farmers like Redempta and Ekirapa stand as shining examples of resilience, proving that with the right support, the agricultural sector can transform lives and power economic growth.
Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) Founder and CEO, Dr. Kennedy Odede, has been honoured with the 2024 Outstanding Humanitarian Award by Top Charts Africa, a Nigeria-based organization.
Dr. Odede was recognized for his unwavering efforts in uplifting slum dwellers and vulnerable communities across 40 counties in Kenya.
“The Outstanding Humanitarian Award celebrates individuals or organizations that have made exceptional contributions to humanitarian causes,” Top Charts Africa announced during the award ceremony.
Dr. Odede emerged as the recipient from a pool of eight distinguished nominees from across Africa. Among them were Osita Obidike of Rebuildx Africa (Liberia), Gerald Abila of Barefoot Law (Uganda), and Otto Orondaam of Slum2School (Nigeria).
Others included Olamilekan Agbeleshela of Laycon Cares Foundation (Nigeria), Somachi Chris Asoluka of Tony Elumelu Foundation (Nigeria), William Troost-Ekong of Troost-Ekong Foundation (Nigeria), and Tunde Onakoya of Chess in Slums (Nigeria).
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Odede stated, “I’m truly humbled to receive the 2024 Outstanding Humanitarian Award by Top Charts Africa in West Africa. I dedicate this award to the communities we serve across Kenya through SHOFCO.”
This recognition adds to Dr. Odede’s growing list of accolades. He was recently named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024 and previously received the 2023 TIME100 Impact Award Africa, Schwab Social Innovator of the Year 2022, and the East Africa Philanthropy Jury Award, among others.
Born and raised in Kibera, Nairobi, as the eldest of eight children, Dr. Odede experienced extreme poverty and violence firsthand. He became a street boy at the age of 10 and later joined a gang before turning his life around.
In 2004, with only a soccer ball and Ksh20, he founded SHOFCO to address the challenges faced by slum communities.
Today, SHOFCO has expanded its reach across 40 counties in Kenya, serving over six million people annually. The organization takes a holistic approach to community development, tackling multiple dimensions of poverty and inequality to create lasting change.
SHOFCO’s programs focus on education, healthcare, water and sanitation, economic empowerment, community mobilization, and youth development.
The organization operates Kibera School for Girls and Mathare School for Girls, which currently serve 580 students. Its economic empowerment initiatives, including entrepreneurship training, TVET programs, and job placements, have benefited over one million youth in the past two years.
Access to clean water remains one of SHOFCO’s landmark achievements. Reflecting on his childhood struggles, Dr. Odede recalled, “We used to walk several kilometers to fetch water, often falling sick due to contamination. The underground pipes would mix with raw sewage.”
This challenge led SHOFCO to introduce Kenya’s first aerial water piping system, ensuring safer and more reliable water access for over 250,000 residents in Kibera and Mathare slums through 53 water kiosks.
SHOFCO’s impact has gained international attention. In 2022, The Bridgespan Group, a leading nonprofit consulting firm, conducted a case study on SHOFCO’s community-driven model, showcasing it as a benchmark for global NGOs.
Beyond his leadership at SHOFCO, Dr. Odede serves as a Young Global Leader at the World Economic Forum, a USAID Advisory Board Member, and an Obama Foundation Africa Leader. He is also a recipient of the Mohammed Ali Humanitarian Award.
He is the co-author of the New York Times bestseller Find Me Unafraid: Love, Loss, and Hope in an African Slum. With this latest award, Dr. Odede continues to solidify his place among Africa’s most influential humanitarians, driving transformative change for millions in Kenya and beyond.
The Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA) has intensified efforts to improve the performance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in Junior Schools (JS) across Kenya.
Through an expansive outreach and mentorship program, the institution aims to equip teachers with practical skills necessary for the effective implementation of STEM education under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
This initiative focuses on hands-on learning experiences, emphasizing student engagement in practical activities rather than teacher-centred instruction.
According to CEMASTEA’s Programme Coordinator, Beatrice Macharia, these approaches make it easier for teachers to observe students’ competencies, interests, and personalities, which helps in guiding their transition into STEM pathways at the senior school level.
Speaking at Moi Kabartonjo Junior Secondary School in Baringo County, Macharia highlighted the significance of this mentorship initiative in strengthening STEM education, ensuring that more students pursue STEM subjects and align with the country’s Vision 2030 goals.
She noted that CEMASTEA’s program also extends to pre-technical studies, agriculture, and nutrition teachers, enhancing their capacity in learner-centred teaching strategies.
CEMASTEA’s outreach and mentorship activities have been rolled out in several schools, including Kaprogonya, Moi Kabartonjo, Kamelilo, St. Mary’s Mogotio and Marigat Junior Secondary Schools.
The program seeks to demystify STEM subjects, dispelling stereotypes that sciences are exclusive to certain groups.
Macharia emphasized that integrating models and play-based learning helps break gender barriers, encouraging both boys and girls to embrace STEM education.
“The goal is to cultivate a generation of innovative learners poised to lead Kenya’s technological advancements. By exposing students to practical experiments and real-world applications, we make STEM more relatable and engaging,” she said.
During the five-day outreach program, CEMASTEA officials engaged teachers and students in interactive STEM activities, showcasing innovative techniques in mathematics, integrated science, and ICT.
The initiative also addressed pressing global issues such as climate change, reinforcing the role of STEM education in finding solutions to environmental challenges.
National Trainer at CEMASTEA, Mr. David Kireru, reiterated the program’s role in fostering positive attitudes towards STEM subjects among students, teachers, and school administrators.
“We are mentoring teachers on how to utilize locally available materials to teach STEM subjects, ensuring that practical skills acquisition is at the core of CBC implementation,” he stated.
School administrators lauded the initiative, citing its potential to boost students’ interest in STEM subjects. Kaprogonya Junior Secondary School head teacher, John Koros, acknowledged that the mentorship program has sparked curiosity among students, enhancing their perception and performance in STEM-related areas.
He emphasized the importance of making science lessons interactive through practical demonstrations.
Science teacher Faith Bett from Kaprogonya Junior Secondary School praised CEMASTEA for empowering educators with innovative teaching techniques that simplify complex scientific concepts.
“This training has transformed the way we teach science subjects, making them more engaging and less intimidating for learners,” she remarked.
Students, too, expressed enthusiasm for the program. Tony Kemboi, a Grade 8 student, shared how the initiative changed his perspective on physics and robotics.
“Through hands-on activities, I have learned to innovate using discarded electronic waste to create household lighting systems. The visual demonstrations have made understanding scientific concepts much easier,” he said.
Another student, Meshack Kemboi, emphasized the need for practical recycling infrastructure and public awareness on e-waste management.
He urged education stakeholders to expand the STEM outreach program to more schools, ensuring a wider impact.
CEMASTEA remains committed to building the capacity of students and teachers in mathematics and science through in-service training and curriculum development.
By fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving, the organization seeks to prepare Kenya’s future workforce for the demands of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Victims and survivors of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings are urgently calling on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to intervene and address the growing issue, citing the failure of Kenya’s justice system to bring justice or accountability.
The victims expressed frustration over what they describe as a pattern of impunity surrounding these crimes, with numerous individuals vanishing without a trace or being killed by state agents.
Bob Njagi, an activist and leader of the Free Kenya Movement, recounted his chilling experience of abduction and torture, alleging that the State is targeting him to silence the truth about the horrors he endured.
Speaking to the media in Nairobi on Sunday, Njagi revealed that he was subjected to brutal treatment by his abductors and now, he fears for his life as he attempts to expose what happened to him.
In addition to Njagi’s case, relatives of Steve Mbisi and Kalani Mwema, two men who allegedly disappeared from Mlolongo, have come forward with their own stories.
They claim that police have threatened them, warning them against seeking answers regarding the whereabouts of their loved ones.
The families, distressed by the silence surrounding the disappearances, have expressed growing concerns that their pursuit of justice is being actively obstructed.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) has added its voice to the outcry, calling for immediate, independent, and transparent investigations into several high-profile cases of enforced disappearance, including those of Bob Njagi, Jamil Longton, Aslam Longton, Justus Mutumwa, Martin Mwau, Steve Mbisi and Kalani Mwema.
The Commission is demanding that the State be held accountable for these cases, urging the government to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the abductions and killings.
Furthermore, the KHRC has called for Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohammed Amin to be held personally accountable for the alleged crimes committed under their leadership.
The Commission insists that the authorities must provide answers about the thousands of Kenyans whose whereabouts remain unknown, and the State must be forced to take responsibility for these heinous acts.
As the calls for justice grow louder, victims and their families are left grappling with the harsh reality that Kenya’s justice system, they believe, has failed them, leaving them with no other recourse but to turn to international bodies like the ICC for intervention.
