In July 2020, we partnered with UNESCO and Safaricom Plc to launch a digital mentorship program where learners in high schools interested in Science,Technology,Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers interact with mentors who are all pressing professionals via SMS shortcode 40291.
Learners have been able to get information on STEM careers by sending in questions via SMS to 40291, the Ask a STEM Mentor Platform and getting responses. The program has also been running on local TV and community radio stations.
For the past 13 weeks, learners have been able to engage with experts ranging from different STEM fields thus giving them the opportunity to familiarize themselves with what it takes and job opportunities in these fields.
Click on the links below to listen to the podcasts on different STEM fields by the mentors in case you missed out on the live broadcasts.
Nancy Karigithu, Principal Secretary – Shipping and Maritime. She discusses training and career opportunities in the #BlueEconomy. You can listen to her here
Rangeland Socio-Ecologist Dr. Dorothy Amwata explains opportunities in Green Economy and Agriculture. You can listen to her here
Geo-Physicist Anastacia Wanjohi lists tens of opportunities in the Geo-Physics field that learners should pick and be successful in life. You can listen to her here
Arch. Mugure Njendu highlights opportunities in Architecture. Njendu also serves as the President of the Architectural Association of Kenya. You can listen to her here
Aerospace Engineer Dr. Gladys Chepkirui Ngetich shares her journey from a village in Olenguruone, Nakuru County, to become Kenya’s top aerospace expert. You can listen to her here
Prof. Faith Njoki Karanja, who chair’s the Department of Geospatial Engineering & Space Technology at School of Engineering, University of Nairobi was the first woman in Kenya to attain a PhD in Geo-Spatial Engineering. You can listen to her here
Dr. Alix Dehayem, a Nuclear Physicist from the University Lecturer narrates her academic journey and how physics rules our daily lives. You can listen to her here
Dr. Bathsheba Menge, a lecturer and holder of PhD in Applied Mathematics discusses the relevance of mathematical formulas in real-life situations. You can listen to her here
Eng. Amelia Omollo speaks on how she became the first female aeronautical engineer in the Kenyan Military and then moved to Kenya airways. Listen to her here
Dr. Purity Ngina shares her experience of growing up in a small village in Nyeri to becoming Kenya’s youngest PhD holder in Bio-Mathematics. Listen to her story here
Dr. Pegotty Mutai, a Pharmacognosist speaks about how she became a scientist and how science is part of our daily life. She also lists a myriad of opportunities for upcoming scientists to clinch or explore. Listen to her here
Dr. Samuel Partey who is the Program Specialist in Science, Technology and Innovation at UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa in Nairobi discusses climate change and opportunities for young scientists or science enthusiasts. Listen to him here
Dr. Alice Ochanda the Coordinator of STEM Education at UNESCO explores life and survival skills that are useful to you in the journey of becoming a scientist. Listen to her here
You can SMS the word MENTOR to 40291 on a Safaricom line to subscribe and ask questions to the mentors above