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Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has challenged junior and senior school students across the country to embrace innovation and leadership, describing them as “the innovators of today and the leaders of tomorrow.”

Speaking during the official opening of the 62nd National Science and Engineering Fair held at Garissa High School on Monday, Duale, an alumnus of the school, said the platform plays a critical role in shaping not just academic excellence but also future leaders.

“It is a great honour and privilege to join you today. The annual fair has, over decades, nurtured curiosity, sharpened thinking, and contributed to the development of many of the country’s leaders.”

Reflecting on his own journey, he said such platforms “do not just build projects, they build people,” Duale said.

The Cabinet Secretary traced the fair’s roots back to 1962, when it began as a modest Science Congress with limited participation.

Today, he noted, it has grown into a national event drawing students from all 47 counties, providing a vital space for young minds to question, create, and solve real-world problems.

He emphasized that science goes beyond textbooks, describing it as a tool for curiosity and courage.

“Every project you will see here represents the courage to ask ‘why’ and ‘how,’ and to try,” he said.

Addressing students directly, he urged them to view themselves as active contributors to the present and future.

“You are not just participants in a competition. The ideas you are working on today, however small they may seem, are the seeds of the future,” Duale said.

He drew inspiration from global tech figures such as Mark Zuckerberg, noting that transformative ideas often begin in simple experimental spaces.

Duale linked innovation to Kenya’s broader development agenda under Vision 2030, which aims to transform the country into a knowledge-driven, innovation-led economy.

He said the ambition to position Kenya as a regional innovation hub, comparable to countries like Singapore, will depend largely on the creativity and determination of young people.

He highlighted the growing importance of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), noting that the Competency-Based Education (CBE) system is steering more learners toward STEM pathways. However, he stressed that mindset remains key.

“Beyond numbers, what matters is the willingness to solve problems, to create, and to innovate,” he said.

The Health CS also pointed to public healthcare as a critical area ripe for innovation, encouraging students to explore solutions in digital health, medical technologies, and community health systems, noting that such innovations are essential for improving healthcare delivery and saving lives.

“I challenge you to think beyond the competition. Let your projects grow, evolve, and solve real problems in your communities. Dream bigger, think deeper, and aim higher. I encourage you to use this platform to learn, connect, and grow,” Duale said.

He called on institutions, including the Kenya Innovation Agency, to support young innovators in refining, scaling, and commercializing their ideas, emphasizing that innovation must transition from classrooms to the marketplace.

Duale also lauded teachers and mentors for their role in guiding students, saying their contribution to shaping young minds cannot be overstated. He further commended organizers, partners, and sponsors for investing in the initiative, describing their support as an investment in the country’s future.

He praised Garissa County for hosting the event, noting that talent exists across all regions of Kenya, adding that hosting the fair in different counties helps unlock potential nationwide.