Alex Kimani, a student participant in this year's Kenya Secondary School's Science Fair from Makueni Boys High School. Photo by Mutune wa Ngumu. 
By Mutune wa Ngumu
More than 2,000 students drawn from junior and senior secondary schools across Makueni County are participating in this year’s Kenya Science and Engineering Fair currently underway at Kaluluni Boys High School in Kibwezi.
The three-day event has brought together young innovators showcasing a wide range of technology-driven solutions and creative ideas aimed at addressing real-world challenges, as schools continue to embrace practical learning under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum.
Speaking during the launch of the fair, Makueni County Director of Education Lydia Mutegi urged schools to place greater emphasis on innovation and creativity in order to nurture future scientists and problem solvers.
“As we move into a new world driven by technology, we encourage our learners to be more innovative, creative and become problem solvers in our society,” said Mutegi. “When they leave senior school and join colleges, they will be able to fit well in the modern world.”
The fair has also marked a significant milestone with the participation of junior secondary school students for the first time, broadening the scope of the competition and allowing younger learners to showcase their creativity.
Makueni Science Fair Chapter Chair Francis Mutua said the event has attracted about 400 teachers who have been involved in mentoring students and judging the various projects presented during the competition.
“It is the first time that we are having junior secondary school joining the science fair. We also have about 400 teachers here who have been preparing the students and serving as judges,” Mutua said.
He added that this year’s fair is largely focusing on environmental conservation, technological innovation and the application of technology in agriculture—areas that align closely with the Competency-Based Education framework.
Kaluluni Boys High School Principal Francis Ndimu, whose school is hosting the event, said the institution has presented 32 projects and is optimistic about performing well and progressing to the national level.
“We are hosting this year’s event and also participating. We have about 32 items being presented this year. In the past we have gone up to the national level, and this year we are looking forward to going back to the nationals,” Ndimu said.
Among the schools expected to stand out in the competition are Makueni School, Precious Blood Kilungu and the host Kaluluni Boys High School.
Students have displayed projects ranging from robotics and automation to environmental innovations and agricultural technologies.
One of the standout projects is an automation and mission-based robotics system designed to deliver medical supplies from factories to hospitals while avoiding obstacles along the way.
Alex Kimani, a student participant from Makueni Boys High School, explained that the robot uses ultrasonic sensors to detect and evade obstacles on the road.
“The mission is to pick medical supplies from a factory and deliver them to the hospital, but there is an obstacle along the way. We use ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles so the robot can evade them and deliver the supplies safely,” Kimani said.
He noted that the innovation aims to reduce human error, prevent losses and improve efficiency in the transportation of sensitive supplies.
“Our robot will help remove tiresome work and reduce cases where goods are lost or interfered with. It ensures the supplies move safely from one point to another and can even identify the best route to take,” he added.
The Kenya Science and Engineering Fair provides a platform for learners to develop practical skills in research, creativity and innovation while preparing them for future careers in science, technology and engineering.
Winners from the county competition will advance to the regional and eventually the national level, where the best innovations from across the country will be showcased.
