Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has urged students to harness science and innovation to address real-world challenges, particularly in public health.
CS Duale spoke during the opening of the 62nd Kenya Science and Engineering Fair held in Garissa County on Monday.
The event was themed “Science and Technology for Actualization of Vision 2030.”
Duale said innovation must move beyond classrooms and into communities to improve lives and strengthen healthcare systems.
He challenged participants to explore digital health solutions, medical technologies and community-based interventions.
The annual fair, being hosted at Gariss High School for the first time since 2004, brought together more than 1,500 students from across the country.
The increased number reflects its evolution from a modest science congress in 1962 into a nationwide platform spanning all 47 counties.
CS Duale drew parallels between student-led innovation and transformative Kenyan solutions such as M-Pesa.
He noted that groundbreaking ideas often emerge from spaces that encourage experimentation and resilience.
“These students are not merely competitors; they are already shaping the future,” he said.
He also called on institutions, including the Kenya Innovation Agency, to support young innovators in refining and commercialising their projects beyond the competition stage.
Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale highlighted government efforts in education, citing initiatives under President William Ruto, including the recruitment of over 116,000 teachers, the construction of classrooms and improved textbook distribution.
The forum brought together education officials and leaders, boosting the growing interest of science and innovation in Kenya’s development agenda.
