By Steve Sabai,
Kenya’s growing investment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education took center stage as more than 250 students from 47 schools across 16 counties converged at Nova Pioneer Tatu City Boys for the National Finals of the World Robot Olympiad (WRO).
Organized by STEM Impact Center Kenya, the prestigious competition provided a platform for young innovators to demonstrate their robotics, coding, engineering and problem-solving skills while competing for an opportunity to represent Kenya at the World Robot Olympiad Finals in Puerto Rico later this year.
Speaking during the event, STEM Impact Center Kenya Chief Executive Alex Magu said the competition is designed to transform learners from passive consumers of artificial intelligence into active creators of technology capable of developing practical solutions to real-world challenges.
Magu emphasized the need for a structured nationwide rollout of robotics and coding programmes, noting that Kenya must position itself as a producer of technological innovation rather than relying on solutions developed elsewhere.
“This is about empowering our young people with the skills to build the future. We want them creating technologies, not just consuming them,” he said.
The national competition attracted some of Kenya’s top-performing schools, including Alliance High School, SCLP Samaj School Nairobi and Vihiga Friends High School, highlighting the country’s rapidly expanding interest in STEM education.
Among the standout competitors was Alliance High School’s Mark Kambua, who has previously represented Kenya at international robotics competitions in Panama, Turkey and Singapore. Kambua said exposure to robotics has broadened his understanding of engineering, automation and artificial intelligence while opening doors to global opportunities.
He encouraged more students to embrace robotics, describing it as a gateway to careers in engineering, software development and emerging technologies.
Kigwa Ridge School also delivered an impressive performance after fielding a delegation of 24 students who secured second and third positions during the preliminary judging rounds.
Teacher Sarah Mugo attributed the school’s success to consistent preparation and practical learning, noting that the competition’s surprise mission challenges require students to think critically, adapt quickly and reprogram robots in real time.
She added that robotics competitions significantly reinforce classroom learning by strengthening students’ understanding of mathematics, coding, analytical reasoning and teamwork.
The top-performing teams will now earn the honour of representing Kenya at the International World Robot Olympiad Finals scheduled for December in Puerto Rico.
Beyond the competition, exceptional participants will also gain access to international opportunities through global partners, including fully funded technology boot camps in Seoul, South Korea, apprenticeships and scholarship programmes offered by institutions such as New York University and global energy company Aramco.
The competition underscores Kenya’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators, engineers and technology leaders, as the country continues to strengthen digital literacy and prepare young people for an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
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