Despite the fact that girls have been shining in national examinations over the last few years, there is a worrying uptake in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
According to UNESCO regional director Dr Alice Ochada, the trend in the country coincides with a global one where only 28 percent of women are in the STEM related fields, with only 9 percent of Kenyan women featured as registered engineers.
Gender Ps Zainab Hussein said the government through State Department of Gender has embarked on various significant measures to encourage school girls in STEM subjects, adding that there’s a plan to establish regional offices.
"as government we are putting in plans to encourage our girls to create a positive attitude towards the STEM subjects so that they can compete with boys" Zainab said
She spoke during a STEM workshop for school girls at Machakos Girls High School, where over 100 girls participated in the one week long mentorship program.
The girls were taken through series of coaching and visited Machakos University, STEM faculty as well as nearby manufacturing industries in a bid to motivate them.
Some girls who were interviewed by Hivisasa after completion of the workshop promised to encourage their friends on the importance of pursuing the STEM subjects.
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