By Lauryne Akoth
H.E. Okaniwa Ken, the Japanese Ambassador to Kenya, has revealed that more than 200 Kenyan students are currently enrolled in universities in Japan.
During a visit to Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu at his office in Jogoo House, Nairobi, Ken emphasized Japan’s ongoing commitment to supporting Kenya’s human resource development.
This support includes initiatives such as academic exchanges, joint research, and other collaborative efforts aimed at mutual benefit.
Machogu expressed gratitude to the Japanese government for its significant contributions to education and training for Kenyan individuals studying in Japan and institutions in Kenya.
He cited Japan’s assistance in establishing the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and supporting research endeavors at the university.
The Education CS also highlighted efforts to encourage 60% of learners under the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.
He acknowledged Japan’s role in enhancing STEM education by supporting teacher capacity building through the Centre for Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA).
Through bilateral or multilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA) facilitated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan has been a key partner in Kenya’s education sector, as noted by Machogu on his social media page.
In related discussions, Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang stressed the importance of virtual labs to bolster STEM education at the secondary school level. He expressed the ministry’s intent to expand the provision of science kits beyond 200 secondary schools.
Meanwhile, University Education and Research PS Dr. Beatrice Inyangala mentioned Japan’s scholarship programs tailored to Kenyan needs and other developmental initiatives.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) PS Dr. Esther Muoria emphasized the necessity of enhancing technical skills for trainers to improve training experiences in institutions.