By Phoebe Wang’ombe
Mary Wanjiku, a mechanical engineer, working on a prototype at Nairobi’s iHub, a space that nurtures innovation and technology.
Kenya’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) profession has long been the preserve of men, but the dynamics are shifting. Women are claiming their place in a field that was once unthinkable, from Nairobi coding boot camps to cutting-edge scientific research in Kisumu. And this shift is not just about numbers—it’s about the social transformation that enables young girls to dream beyond traditional gender stereotypes.
At the forefront is Agnes Gathaiya, a 40-year-old software developer who recently developed an app to improve access to maternal health care in rural Kenya. “I grew up seeing women strain to access basic health services,” Agnes explains. “Technology is my gateway to closing that gap.”
The Ministry of Education, in a report issued in 2023, has said that girls enrolling in STEM courses at the university level are up by 40% over the past five years. Initiatives like AkiraChix, which equips young women with coding skills, and the government’s mentoring programs are cited as significant influences in achieving the change.
However, challenges remain. “Despite these gains, women still face workplace biases and societal stigma,” says Dr. Jemimah Anyango, a lecturer at the University of Nairobi’s School of Engineering. She recalls a female student being advised to “switch to teaching or nursing,” professions traditionally deemed more fitting for women.
But there are others who are shattering these stereotypes. Take Wangari Muchiri for example who is an energy planning and policy engineer focused on renewable energy and sustainable building, both locally and internationally. Another great example is one by the name Grace Nzivo who is a civil engineer and STEM ambassador who wants to inspire young girls in rural Kenya to continue dreaming big because it is achievable.
The push for inclusivity is also making its way to young girls in schools. Organizations like STEM Girl Kenya are holding science fairs and offering scholarships to encourage girls to pursue technical subjects. One of its beneficiaries, 17-year-old Amina Hassan from Garissa, recently emerged the winner of a national robotics competition. “It’s proof that given the right opportunities, anyone can excel,” she says.
Kenya’s journey toward gender equality in STEM is far from over, but the successes are unmistakable. Each app developed, paper presented, and challenge overcome is a testament to what women can achieve when given equal opportunity. The progress of women in STEM is not only a victory for gender equality —it is a victory for the nation, with a future driven by diverse talent and innovation.
As most women in this industry loquently put it: “We are not only breaking glass ceilings; we are building a world where there are no ceilings.”