The Joensuu Science Society, the University of Eastern Finland, Edutab Africa, Kabarak University and the Precious Blood Secondary School Alumni Association co-organised SciFest Kenya 2026 on 26 May at Precious Blood Secondary School in Riruta, Nairobi, as part of the UEF Africa Day celebrations.
The event brought together 40 students and five teachers for a day of interactive science learning designed to spark curiosity and encourage interest in STEM fields. The event was also organized by three alumni of the University of Eastern Finland.
The programme combined hands-on activities, mentoring, and collaborative learning, reflecting a commitment to international partnerships and education outreach.
A central highlight of SciFest Kenya 2026 was a robotics session that introduced students to the fundamentals of robotics, programming, and artificial intelligence. Using LEGO Spike Prime kits, participants worked in small groups to design and build robot prototypes aimed at solving real-life challenges.
The projects ranged from a robotic vehicle capable of transporting objects to a prototype vacuum cleaner and sensor-based vehicles. Through these exercises, students explored how instructions guide robot behaviour and why precision is essential in programming.
The session was complemented with demonstrations on the Internet of Things (IoT), including an obstacle-detecting assistive cane and an automated gate system. These practical examples showed how embedded systems and sensors can be used to improve everyday life, further connecting classroom knowledge to real-world applications.
Another engaging component was a foldscope session, which introduced students to paper-based microscopes as accessible scientific tools. Participants examined a variety of everyday specimens, including leaves, flowers, onions, and insects, gaining insights into microscopic structures and patterns.
The outdoor, inquiry-based activity encouraged teamwork, observation, and curiosity. Many students found the foldscopes easy to use and appreciated the opportunity to explore science beyond textbooks, despite minor challenges related to the device’s small size and fragility.
Student feedback highlighted the impact of hands-on learning and the opportunity to build and programme their own solutions. Teamwork and creativity were also frequently mentioned as key aspects of the experience. Importantly, the event enhanced a growing interest in future STEM careers. Many students expressed enthusiasm for learning more about robotics, artificial intelligence, and engineering, indicating that the event not only introduced scientific concepts but also helped shape career aspirations.
In addition to the technical sessions, a mentoring session reaching over 1000 students, was held with the lead of the Precious Blood Secondary School Alumni Association, focusing on study choices and STEM career paths, providing students with guidance and inspiration for their educational journeys, while encouraging dialogue and questions. The East African Wildlife Society also supported the initiative by donating several back issues of their SWARA magazine to the school library.
The organisers described SciFest Kenya 2026 as a successful pilot with strong potential for future growth. Plans are already underway to develop the initiative further, including strengthening partnerships and exploring ways to ensure continuity and sustained learning.
By combining international collaboration with practical learning experiences, SciFest Kenya reflects the co-organising team’s broader mission to support education, innovation, and global engagement, empowering the next generation of scientists and problem-solvers.
