Three hundred girls from Kiambu and Murang’a counties on Wednesday began a five-day mentorship programme aimed at bridging the gender gap and unlocking their potential in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The 2026 UNESCO STEM Boot Camp of Excellence is being held at Alliance Girls High School under the theme 'Bridging the Gender Gap by Unlocking the Potential in Girls in STEM for a Secure and Sustainable Future for All'.

The boot camp seeks to equip learners with foundational coding, robotics and digital design skills, foster creativity and prepare them for future academic and career opportunities. Experts from various STEM fields will mentor the participants.

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Kenya National Commission for UNESCO acting CEO James Njogu said the programme seeks to dispel the perception that STEM courses are “tough” and male-dominated, which has discouraged girls from pursuing STEM in higher education.

“This leadership camp reflects UNESCO’s commitment to advancing STEM education and strengthening Kenya’s position in the inclusive digital and product-driven global economy,” Njogu said.

He said inclusive and equitable education, along with science, technology and innovation, is central to sustainable development.

The programme also targets students living with disabilities, ensuring the camp is fully inclusive.

Njogu encouraged the girls to be bold, curious and to embrace opportunities in STEM, noting that acquiring skills such as coding and artificial intelligence will strengthen Kenya’s innovation ecosystem.

Teachers Service Commission acting CEO Eveleen Mitei said the boot camp responds to the urgent need to increase girls’ participation in STEM as the country pursues industrialisation.

Konza Technopolis Chief Manager Josephine Ndambuki said the programme aligns with the organisation’s vision of opening STEM opportunities to all genders and highlighted gaps in female representation in innovation, noting that women-led founders constitute only 10 per cent of applications for innovation calls.