Govt urged to build pipeline for women in STEM, innovation
The government has been urged to move beyond increasing access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and create a clear pathway for women to progress into research, entrepreneurship, investment and technology leadership. The call was made on Thursday, September 3,2026, during the second Women in STEM Africa Summit at the Kenyatta International Convention […]
Policymakers have urged the government to develop a clear route for women to advance into research, entrepreneurship, investment, and technology leadership in the STEM field. During the second Women in STEM Africa Summit held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, various stakeholders from different sectors came together to address the lack of women in technology.
Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs, Wycliffe Oparanya, emphasized the need to transform classroom and laboratory ideas into viable businesses and solutions. Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba highlighted the importance of equipping girls with STEM skills and opportunities to assume leadership roles in science and technology.
The government has pledged to expand STEM education by building more classrooms and laboratories, as well as promoting partnerships between universities and industries to provide relevant skills. Experts called for stronger collaboration between universities, research institutions, industry, and the innovation ecosystem to create clearer pathways for women scientists and engineers.
The summit revealed that women make up only 31% of researchers globally, with Africa facing a significant gap in women's participation in research and innovation. Initiatives such as the WITIA startup pitch session, which awarded Sh500,000 to a winning venture, were aimed at supporting women's growth in the technology sector. Organizers emphasized the importance of empowering women to design technology systems, lead companies, manage research institutions, and shape policies.
Building an inclusive technology ecosystem requires cooperation among various institutions and stakeholders. The summit will focus on training, research, mentorship, infrastructure, financing, and policies to facilitate women's participation in the digital economy, with WITIA continuing to provide technical courses, internships, scholarships, and Smart Libraries to bridge gender and digital gaps.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
