Breaking Barriers to STEM: Partnerships Power Mobile Science Labs in Murang’a

Saba Saba Primary and Junior School and Thirikwa Primary School in Murang’a South have become the first beneficiaries of Mobile Science Laboratories under the Girls Excel Initiative. The program, spearheaded by Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF), seeks to break systemic barriers to girls’ access to quality STEM education by distributing mobile laboratories to 13 schools nationwide.

The initiative demonstrates the power of collaboration. From government and education authorities, to local families and development partners, multiple stakeholders are working together to ensure every child, especially girls, has equal access to science education.

Collaboration in Action

During the handover, the Murang’a South Sub-County Director of Education, Mercy Kibera, emphasized the importance of aligning such efforts with Kenya’s broader education reform agenda:

“844 was more about memory. Competency-Based Education is about skills, not just knowledge for knowledge’s sake. With initiatives like this, we are not only supporting the girl child, but the future of our nation and the world.”

Representatives from the School Equipment Production Unit (SEPU), who designed and built the mobile labs, showcased the facility to teachers, students, and community members, highlighting its role in bridging the gap between theory and practice.

At Saba Saba Primary and Junior School, Headteacher Catherine Kamau expressed her gratitude for the donation, noting that the lab will directly benefit 87 girls currently enrolled in Junior Secondary School. She urged students to seize the opportunity to pursue STEM pathways:

“When you empower a woman, you empower the whole nation.”

A Community’s Role in Education

At Thirikwa Primary School, the donation was made possible through the generosity of the Kiiru family, who partnered with ENAF to support the initiative. Sarah Muhoya, ENAF Chief of Party and a member of the donating family, stressed the importance of hands-on learning:

“Exams are coming soon. It will be difficult for students to pursue science pathways if they cannot interact with the equipment they are learning about.”

Previously, teachers relied on improvised equipment to explain concepts. With the nearest fully equipped lab six kilometers away, the mobile lab now ensures students can learn science practically and consistently. The Kiiru family also committed to working closely with the school and community to safeguard the facility for lasting impact.

Beyond Labs: A Holistic Approach

ENAF complemented the lab donations with dignity packs to help girls remain in school consistently. Recognizing that change requires everyone, the initiative also engages boys as allies of change, encouraging them to support their sisters in STEM.

Partnerships for the Future

The Girls Excel Initiative will continue rolling out mobile labs to 11 more schools across Kenya in the coming weeks. ENAF stressed that the scale of the challenge calls for collaboration across government, government agencies, private sector, development partners, NGOs, and local communities. Only through such partnerships can systemic barriers be broken and opportunities in STEM opened to all children.