The Tech Interactive, Silicon Valley’s leading science and technology center, has announced a major expansion of its flagship STEAM education initiative in Kenya.
Now in its third year, The Tech Challenge Kenya has nearly doubled its reach in 2025, engaging close to 5,000 students from over 1,000 schools in hands-on, real-world problem-solving.
This year’s program includes back-to-back public showcases in Kisumu and Nakuru, with students competing in engineering design challenges aimed at solving real humanitarian problems.
“Innovation knows no borders—and every student deserves the chance to become a problem-solver,” said Katrina Stevens, President and CEO of The Tech Interactive.
The 2025 challenge, themed “Drop & Dash,” tasks student teams with building devices capable of delivering emergency supplies to remote areas like drought-stricken Turkana County, without the use of batteries. The initiative highlights local relevance, encouraging youth to tackle urgent issues within their own communities.
The success of The Tech Challenge Kenya is largely attributed to its train-the-trainer model, which empowers Kenyan educators to mentor their peers in engineering design-based learning. To date, this model has improved STEAM instruction for over 19,000 teachers and 568,000 students nationwide.
“This is more than an engineering contest—it’s a pipeline for future engineers, entrepreneurs, and leaders,” said Shital Patel, Director of Kenya Expansion at The Tech Interactive.
SHOWCASE SCHEDULE
Kisumu – Golden Elite Top School
Saturday, July 5, 2025
Division 1 (Grades 4–6)
Division 2 (Grades 7–9)
Sunday, July 6, 2025
Division 3 (Form 2–Form 4)
Nakuru – Kingdom International Private School
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Division 1 (Grades 4–6)
Division 2 (Grades 7–9)
Sunday, July 13, 2025
Division 3 (Form 2–Form 4)
At these public showcases, more than 800 student teams will present their innovations to panels of volunteer judges made up of engineers, educators, and industry leaders.
Participating organizations include; Microsoft, Mastercard Foundation, Lish AI Labs, Save the Children, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Zipline, Qhala, Moringa School, Zone01, and Kabarak University, among others.
The program is made possible through support from Kenafric, SBM Bank, Gearbox, IX Data Centre, and Tropical Heat.
“As Africa becomes the world’s next innovation engine, we are proud to support the creative potential of young learners across the continent,” said Dr. Shikoh Gitau, CEO of Qhala and board member at The Tech Interactive.
For more information about The Tech Challenge Kenya and how to get involved, visit: [www.thetech.org/kenya](https://www.thetech.org/kenya)
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