President William Ruto on August 14, 2026/PCS
President William Ruto has directed the Ministry of Education to begin bringing winners of the annual Kenya Science and Engineering Fair to State House for official recognition, starting next year.
Ruto said young scientists and innovators deserved the same national recognition accorded to students who excel in music, drama and other creative disciplines.
He said the move would help inspire young Kenyans to pursue science, technology and innovation while allowing the country to celebrate those developing solutions for its future.
“Effective next year, the Ministry of Education must bring the winners of the annual Kenya Science and Engineering Fair to an event, a state event like the one we have here for music and all the others,” Ruto said.
The President, who was speaking during a State Concert for the 98th Kenya Music Festivals at Bungoma State Lodge, said he wanted to personally meet the young innovators, see their inventions and listen to their ideas.
“I want to meet them, see what they have built, and hear their ideas. Above all, I want them to know that their country believes in them, and also values them,” he said.
Ruto said Kenya had for decades invested in school-based science and innovation competitions, but the achievements of the winners had not received the same visibility as other forms of talent.
He noted that schools had held the annual science and innovation competition since 1962, making it one of the country’s long-running platforms for nurturing young scientific talent.
“Our schools have held the annual science and innovation competition since 1962. Yet the winners have never been given a chance like the one we have here today. That is going to change,” he said.
The President said the country needed to deliberately identify and support young scientists whose innovations could contribute to solving national challenges and driving economic development.
He also highlighted the achievements of Kenyan students who have represented the country in international competitions, including a team that travelled to China and emerged top in a global event.
“I did receive some who had participated in a global event in China and became number one,” he said.
Ruto, who described himself as a scientist, said his background had enabled him to appreciate the importance of scientific research and innovation in national development.
“There is one group of young Kenyans we must recognise: our Kenyan scientists and innovators,” he said.
The President argued that scientists and innovators made a major contribution to the country’s future and should therefore be given greater visibility and encouragement.
“As a scientist myself, I see what they do, the innovation that they have brought,” he said.
The directive is expected to give greater prominence to the Kenya Science and Engineering Fair, which provides learners with an opportunity to develop and showcase scientific projects and technological solutions.
Ruto said recognising young innovators at a national level would send a message that scientific achievement is valued alongside music, drama and other talents.
“The same way we recognise the talent in music, in drama, I think it is time that we brought our scientists and innovators on board, because they make a huge contribution to the future of our nation,” he said.
The move comes as the Government seeks to encourage young Kenyans to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics and develop solutions to challenges facing the country.
