SAASTA participates in Kenyan science festival

The first ever National Science, Technology and Innovation Week that was held in Kenya proved to be a great success. It was held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi from 7 to 11 May 2012.

Nine delegates from South Africa, from different science and technology sectors, joined the Kenyans in this celebration of science and technology. The delegates were comprised of representatives from SAASTA, the SciEnza Science Centre at the University of Pretoria, HartRAO and the Department of Science and Technology. All received a warm welcome from Dr Simon Langat, who represented the Kenyan Ministry of Science and Technology.

Irene Schoeman from the SciEnza Science Centre (left) and Bafedile Kgwadi of SAASTA demystify science for their audience of young Kenyans.		Two visitors to the festival try to disentangle themselves from two ropes - one of the most popular activities at the event.		The exhibitions were housed in marquee tents in the courtyard of the Kenya International Convention Centre.
Kenyan learners exhibit their science project.		College students showcase their technology project - a vegetable shredder.		Bafedile rides the bike that pumps water while she exercises.

The exhibitions were housed in marquee tents in the courtyard of the convention centre. Exhibitors ranged from learners and college students displaying their science and technology projects to big companies showcasing their technological abilities. The exhibition was both unique and intriguing in that it demonstrated modern, traditional and older technology.

Most exhibitors were Kenyans who showcased local materials such as indigenous plants for medicinal use, as well as technology aimed at making manual labour easier and more efficient to assist communities in rural areas.

The South African exhibition proved to be a great success. It was abuzz with visitors, both young and old, who participated in the activities on offer and said that they had learned a great deal in the process. Overall the National Science, Technology and Innovation Week proved to be a worthwhile platform to reach out to the people of Kenya and to create awareness around science and technology in this country.

By Bafedile Kgwadi and Belinda Mokhanda, SAASTA