A high level meeting held at the Ministry of Education headquarters in Nairobi this week underscored Kenya’s growing engagement with continental scientific initiatives aimed at nurturing specialised skills.
Senior officials and visiting delegates convened at Jogoo House B, reflecting a shared interest in strengthening academic collaboration and long term capacity building within Africa’s education sector.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba hosted members of the organising committee of Fundamental Physics and Applications (ASP), a flagship programme designed to enhance advanced training in physics and its practical applications across the continent.
The engagement focused on the programme’s objectives, progress, and opportunities for deeper partnership with national institutions.
The African School of Fundamental Physics and Applications brings together postgraduate students, young researchers, and leading scientists from Africa and beyond for intensive training in areas such as particle physics, materials science, medical physics, renewable energy, and data science.
Through lectures, hands on sessions, and collaborative research projects, the programme aims to equip participants with skills that can be applied to both academic research and real world technological challenges.
During the meeting, CS Ogamba emphasised the importance of fundamental sciences in driving innovation and sustainable development.
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He noted that investments in advanced scientific education play a critical role in preparing young Africans to contribute meaningfully to emerging industries, research institutions, and policy development.
Ogamba also highlighted Kenya’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at all levels.
Members of the ASP organising committee briefed the Cabinet Secretary on the programme’s history, its impact in previous host countries, and plans for future editions.
They pointed out that the school not only builds technical expertise but also fosters networks among African scientists, helping to reduce isolation and brain drain while encouraging collaborative solutions to shared challenges.
The discussions further explored how Kenya’s universities and research centres could benefit from closer involvement with the programme, including hosting future sessions, participating in curriculum development and supporting student and faculty exchanges.
Such collaborations, participants observed, would strengthen local research ecosystems and enhance the global competitiveness of African institutions.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued engagement between the Ministry of Education and the African School of Fundamental Physics and Applications.
Both sides expressed optimism that sustained cooperation would expand opportunities for young scientists and reinforce Africa’s role in global scientific advancement.
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