Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF) Launches Mobile Science Labs to Empower Girls in STEM
NAIROBI, Kenya, July 29- The Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENAF) has announced the launch of over 15 mobile science laboratories targeting primary and secondary schools across Kenya a move aiming to bridge gender gaps in Science and technology.
The initiative set to be unveiled officially on Wednesday 30th July 2025 is part of the foundation’s wider campaign to foster early interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) among girls.
Dr. Jennifer Riria, ENAF Chief Executive Officer while Speaking to the media ahead of the launch in Nairobi, ENA Chief emphasized the need for action over complaints, citing the long-standing exclusion of women and girls from scientific fields as a barrier to Kenya’s full development.
“Our business is to be proactive, the days of blaming others are over we must work ourselves and achieve results,You don’t empower a mother, you disempower an entire generation.” Said Dr. Riria.
The mobile labs, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Education’s School Equipment Production Unit (SEPU) are designed to serve clusters of schools, especially in under-resourced rural counties with each unit containing essential scientific tools and materials to help learners explore core science concepts through practical, hands-on learning.
Additionally ,ENAF has also committed to signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SEPU to formalize collaboration on the manufacture, training, and distribution of the labs nationwide.
The foundation is currently active in over a dozen counties, including Busia, Meru, Migori, Samburu, Narok, and Tana River, with plans to expand its reach even further. Furthermore, Dr. Riria noted that past efforts had already shown impressive results.
“In one school, girls moved from D+ to scoring A’s in mathematics with five girls went on to study science at university It shows that when we start early and support them they thrive.”
Young learners in primary schools are most targeted by the program aiming to shape their attitudes and ambitions before societal stereotypes take root.
“Girls must start seeing themselves as scientists, astronauts and engineers not just secretaries or teachers, It’s time we send a Kenyan woman to the moon.” She added.
The Wednesday will be attended by Ministry of Education officials, diplomats, school representatives and development partners.
ENAF hopes the initiative will eventually cover all 47 counties and scale to thousands of schools. Kenya currently has more than 28,000 public primary schools, highlighting the need for more widespread investment in science education.
The foundation urged citizens, development agencies and the private sector to partner in the effort.
“We want to raise at least 10 new women scientists in the next five years, And that will be a win for all of us for our girls, our communities and our nation.”
