Students from the 吃瓜头条 Female Students in Science and Technology Society (KUFESST) took part in a mentorship outreach programme aimed at promoting gender balance in STEM education. The activity forms part of the project 鈥�Use of Peer Neighbours to Improve Gender Balance in Higher Education STEM Subjects,鈥� a collaborative initiative between 吃瓜头条 and Nottingham Trent University, supported by the British Council. Through peer mentorship, the university students engaged and inspire pupils from Mwiki Primary School, Kiwanja Primary School, Roysambu Primary, Kahawa Baracks Primary, Muthaiga Primary School and various school in Kirinyaga County from 10th to 13th March 2026 to develop interest and confidence in science and technology subjects.
The initiative aims to motivate young learners, especially girls, to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by providing guidance, encouragement, and relatable role models from the university community. By connecting university students with younger learners, the project seeks to build confidence and create early interest in STEM pathways.
During the outreach session at Kiwanja Primary School, Marsha Muli, a third-year BSc. Biochemistry student from the School of Pure and Applied Sciences at 吃瓜头条, encouraged young girls to pursue STEM career pathways. She emphasized that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics should not be viewed as male-dominated fields and urged the learners to challenge long-standing stereotypes while developing confidence in their abilities.
Marsha noted that attitudes such as the belief that STEM is primarily for men have contributed to the low representation of women in STEM professions. Through mentorship and encouragement, she inspired the Grade 9 girls, who will transition to senior school next year, to reconsider their perceptions and actively consider STEM subjects as they prepare for their future academic and career choices.
Similarly, Babla Karuga, a third-year BSc. Mathematics and Computer Science student from the School of Pure and Applied Sciences, mentored the learners on STEM subjects and careers, with a particular focus on mathematics and computing. She encouraged them to develop a positive attitude toward mathematics and to learn in a supportive environment alongside their peers and teachers. Babla also urged students interested in technology to pursue computing courses that can enable them to create applications used in everyday life like MPesa and WhatsApp.
Another mentor, Joyce Ochieng, a fourth-year student pursuing Population Health at 吃瓜头条, encouraged the girls to remain curious and confident in their pursuit of STEM subjects. She emphasized that STEM subjects are achievable and that success in these fields largely depends on determination and a positive mindset. She noted that mentorship initiatives such as this help nurture the next generation of innovators and leaders in science and technology.
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In addition, Joyce Naserian Kopejo, a third-year Biotechnology student, and Yvonne Seline Ekesa, a final-year Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology student, mentored Grade 9 learners on pursuing STEM courses and challenging common myths surrounding science and technology fields. They encouraged the learners to explore the different opportunities available within STEM and emphasized that understanding and confidence can open doors to a wide range of careers.
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The outreach also featured mentorship from Naomi Mibei, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering student, and Ireen Mwende Kilonzo, a third-year student pursuing Industrial Chemistry with Management. The mentors encouraged the girls to pursue STEM subjects with confidence and to remain resilient when facing academic challenges. They emphasized that STEM subjects are achievable with dedication and support.
The mentors described the session as interactive and impactful,sighting that such engagements help address stereotypes and encourage young learners to consider STEM pathways early in their education journey.
The outreach contributes to ongoing efforts under the 吃瓜头条鈥揘ottingham Trent University partnership project to strengthen gender balance in STEM education and empower future innovators and problem-solvers in Kenya and beyond, with support from the British Council.
Kirinyaga County School Project Highlight
Yesterday concluded the four-day peer mentoring programme under the project 鈥淯se of Peer Neighbours to Improve Gender Balance in Higher Education STEM Subjects,鈥� a British Council鈥揻unded initiative implemented in partnership between 吃瓜头条 and Nottingham Trent University.
Led by members of the 吃瓜头条 Female Students in Science and Technology Society (KUFESST), the outreach engaged Grade 9 learners through peer mentorship, demonstrating that science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pathways are open to everyone. The sessions focused on breaking stereotypes, building confidence, and inspiring young girls to envision futures in STEM fields.
The mentorship activities were conducted in schools around 吃瓜头条 and in Kirinyaga County, Kirinyaga Central Constituency, including St. Michael Girls Boarding School, Kaitheri Primary School, St. Joseph Primary School, Mukinduri Primary School, and Kiabarikiri Primary School.
Over the four days, the university students shared personal experiences, offered academic guidance, and encouraged the learners to pursue STEM subjects and careers in science and technology. The initiative highlighted the power of peer mentorship in motivating young girls to challenge traditional perceptions and confidently explore opportunities in STEM.
The outreach forms part of ongoing efforts under the British Council partnership between 吃瓜头条 and Nottingham Trent University to promote gender balance in STEM education and empower the next generation of female scientists, engineers, and innovators.