CS Jacob Kaimenyi roots for science journalism

NAIROBI, KENYA: Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi wants institutions offering journalism to incorporate science reporting in their curriculum.

Speaking Tuesday when he opened the second African Conference of Science journalists in Nairobi, Prof Kaimenyi said learners would be able to apply relevant science to all sectors of the economy if trained at university and college levels.

The CS said the Government was in the process of establishing incubation centres and funding science research in a bid to build the spirit of innovation among the youth.

Kaimenyi, who also launched the inaugural Sayansi Magazine, a quarterly publication by the Media for Science, Health and Agriculture, challenged journalists to embark on publication of journals featuring scientific breakthroughs on the continent. "In the past, reporters have been focusing more on political stories at the expense of science," said Kaimenyi.

Kaimenyi also challenged media houses to compel journalists to submit science stories as part of their contractual obligations.