Joyce Kithure urges youth to embrace STEM for Kenya's future

Spouse to the Deputy President Dr Joyce Kithure engages students at Daystar University during the launch of Science Adding Value to Environment and Communities. [File, Standard]

The Second Lady of Kenya Dr Joyce Kithure has called on students to embrace Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses, emphasising their role in solving societal challenges and driving economic growth.

Speaking during a Pi Day celebration at Daystar University, the Second Lady highlighted the transformative power of STEM in addressing key issues facing Kenyan communities.

Under the theme "Numbers and Beyond: A STEM Challenge for Future Innovators," she underscored the importance of nurturing curiosity and innovation among the country's youth.

"Today, we gather not just to celebrate science, but to ignite a passion within you, our future innovators, to pursue careers in STEM fields," she said.

Drawing from her background in Chemistry and her teaching experience at the University of Nairobi, Joyce Kithure noted that STEM subjects are key to unlocking solutions for real-world problems. She cited Kenya's strides in using mathematics and technology to develop innovations such as MPESA's digital payment systems and wind turbines that power rural homes.

During her speech, she launched her initiative dubbed The SaVE Communities Project - Science Adding Value to the Environment and the Community.

A project aimed at leveraging STEM knowledge to address critical challenges such as access to clean water, environmental pollution, clean energy solutions, and climate change adaptation.

"Access to clean and sufficient water is a fundamental human right, yet it remains a significant challenge for many communities in Kenya," she said, noting that STEM innovations could play a pivotal role in providing sustainable solutions.

The project she says will also focus on promoting modern farming techniques in unconventional spaces such as schools, churches, and urban areas to enhance food security. Additionally, it will encourage value addition to farm produce through processing, packaging, and preservation - a move she believes will empower communities economically.

"I invite you all to join me in achieving the objectives of this project. Together, we can address these critical challenges and uplift our communities in transformative ways," she urged.

Addressing young innovators at the event, the Second Lady encouraged them to create solutions that improve livelihoods, adding that STEM education is vital for transitioning Kenya into a knowledge-based economy.

"The world needs your talents, your ideas, and your passion," she said. "The future is bright, and it is yours to shape."