President William Ruto has directed the Ministry of Education to start an annual State House event for students who emerge as winners of the Kenya Science and Engineering Fair.
The event will begin in 2027 and will give young innovators an opportunity to present their projects directly to the President and receive national recognition for their work.
Ruto made the announcement on Friday, August 14, 2026, during the 98th Kenya Music Festival State Concert held at State Lodge in Bungoma.
He said students who excel in science, technology and innovation should be celebrated in the same way as those who perform well in music, drama and other creative activities.
“In the same way that we acknowledge the talent in music and drama, I think it is now time we acknowledge our scientists and innovators because they play a very critical role in the future of this country,” said Ruto.
The President has asked the Ministry of Education to see to it that the winners of the annual science fair are taken to State House starting next year.
“Starting next year, the Ministry of Education has to take the winners of the annual Kenya Science and Engineering Fair to State House,” he said.
According to President Ruto, the step will help raise the profile of science and innovation in the country and motivate many students to consider joining STEM-related fields.
The annual Kenya Science and Engineering Fair has been held since 1962 but the winners of the competition have never received State House recognition.
Under the new arrangement, students will have a chance to showcase their inventions, explain how their projects work and share the ideas behind their innovations with the President.
Ruto said he wanted to personally meet the students and see what they had developed.
“I want to meet them, see what they have built, and hear their ideas. Above all, I want them to know that their country believes in them and values them,” he said.
The President also recalled meeting Kenyan students who represented the country at an international competition in China and emerged victorious.
He said such achievements showed the potential among Kenyan learners, but noted that young people pursuing science and innovation do not always receive the same public recognition as those in music and drama.
The new State House event is expected to provide a national platform for the students while also drawing attention to projects that could have practical applications beyond the classroom.
Ruto said recognising young scientists and innovators was part of building a culture that values new ideas and the contribution of young people to Kenya’s future.
