Echo Network Africa Unveils Mobile Science Labs in 15 Schools to Spur Girls’ Interest in STEM
Mobile Science Labs Unveiled in 15 Schools to Spur Girls’ Interest in STEM
Echo Network Africa Foundation has announced the roll-out of free mobile school laboratories to 15 schools across the country, an initiative aimed at inspiring and increasing girls’ participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Speaking during a pre-launch media briefing on Monday at Echo Network Africa Foundation Headquarter, Dr. Jennifer Riria, the CEO and President of Echo Network Africa ( ENA), affirmed the organization’s mission to champion education equity by empowering girls, women including women with disabilities and families through innovative solutions.
Dr. Riria stressed that the initiative is rooted in proactive action rather than lamentation. “We are done with complaining. The days of pointing fingers are gone. We have learned that we must work and achieve results ourselves,” she said.
“We are a not-for-profit institution supplementing government and other actors’ efforts to improve lives, particularly for girls and women who are the backbone of our economy.” she added.
Echo Network Africa’s new portable school labs, developed in partnership with the School Equipment Production Unit (SEPU) of the Ministry of Education, will enable girls to access practical science education from an early age. The goal is to foster a mindset that views girls not only as future scientists but also as global leaders in technical fields.
“If you do not empower a mother, you disempower everyone. It’s time we send a Kenyan woman to the moon,” Dr. Riria declared.
The initiative is a response to long-standing gender disparities in science education and careers. Dr. Riria cited a case study in Kilangari, Kajiado County, where girls’ performance in science subjects significantly improved after Echo Network Africa’s intervention.
“They moved from D-minuses to A grades in mathematics. That transformation proves that girls can excel when given the right tools and mentorship.”
The mobile labs are designed to be shared among school clusters, making science education more accessible, especially in under-resourced areas. “These are not brick-and-mortar labs. They are mobile, meaning they can reach many students across regions like Busia, Marsabit, Kilifi, Narok, and more,” she added.
“Our business is changing lives,” stated Dr. Riria. “And it starts with helping girls dream bigger beyond stereotypes to becoming the next heads of UNESCO, of technical ministries, or astronauts.”
Echo Network Africa’s Chief of Party, Sarah Muhoya, highlighted the Foundation’s shift from solely financial inclusion to addressing a broader spectrum of challenges facing women and girls, including cultural and educational barriers. “This initiative is a small but strategic step toward reducing inequality in STEM access in public schools.”
The official launch event, scheduled for July, 30, 2025, will be attended by Ministry of Education officials, diplomats, school representatives, and other development partners. During the launch, a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between Echo Network Africa and School Equipment Production Unit (SEPU), cementing the partnership for resource mobilization, teacher training, and lab distribution.
Muhoya called on all stakeholders, including the media, to amplify the importance of this civic effort. “It is not about what the government can do for us, but what we all can do for our country. If we pull together, every child from Mandera to Kwale will have a fair chance to thrive in the digital age.”
Echo Network Africa’s vision is to inspire the next generation of female scientists and leaders, beginning from the grassroots. With only 15 schools covered in the first phase and over 28,000 public primary schools nationwide, the Foundation called for broader collaboration to scale the initiative.
By Sharon Atieno
