Thousands of young Kenyan students are preparing to do something big solve real-world problems through creativity, teamwork, and engineering design.

Welcome to The Tech Challenge Kenya 2025, a thrilling hands-on science and innovation program that’s making waves from Silicon Valley to the heart of Kenya.

This year, the Challenge is doubling in size, reaching nearly 5,000 students from over 1,000 schools, and, for the first time ever, expanding to two major locations: Kisumu and Nakuru.

Tailored for Kenyan Classrooms

Originally launched in Silicon Valley back in 1986, The Tech Challenge has inspired young people for decades to tackle tough global issues using the principles of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math).

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It made its African debut in Kenya in 2023 with just 750 students.

Fast forward to 2024, participation jumped to 2,700.

And now in 2025, the numbers are set to almost double, a clear sign that something exciting is happening.

“In the face of shrinking global aid, The Tech remains committed to expanding opportunity where it’s needed most,” stated The Tech Interactive President and CEO Katrina Stevens.

She added: “This year’s Challenge reflects our belief that innovation knows no borders—and that every student deserves the chance to become a problem-solver.”

Built for Kenya

What makes this program different? It’s not just parachuting in international resources. It’s empowering Kenyan teachers and schools to take ownership.

The program uses a “train-the-trainer” model, where Kenyan educators undergo training in engineering design learning led remotely by The Tech Interactive.

These trained teachers then mentor their colleagues locally, ensuring the skills spread widely and sustainably.

So far, more than 19,000 teachers have been reached and more than 568,000 students across Kenya have benefitted.

“This kind of learning is hands-on, high-stakes, and human-centered, is what’s needed to create sustainable change,” said Dr Shikoh Gitau, CEO of Qhala and international board member of The Tech Interactive.

She added, “As Africa becomes the world’s next innovation engine, The Tech is proud to support the creative potential of young learners across the continent.”

Drop & Dash

The 2025 challenge is rooted in an urgent Kenyan reality: the drought crisis in Turkana County, where emergency supplies are dropped into remote areas by drones and planes, but often miss their mark.

Student teams are being challenged to design a device that can:

• Be dropped from a height,

• Land safely,

• Deliver critical supplies to a precise location,

• Without using batteries.

It’s a test of ingenuity, precision, and impact and a beautiful blend of engineering with empathy.

“This challenge is more than an engineering task; It’s a way to empower students to think critically and creatively about ways to address real challenges facing their communities,” said The Tech Interactive Director of Kenya Expansion Shital Patel.

He added: “We’re seeing future engineers, entrepreneurs, and leaders emerge through this process.”

Showcase Dates and Locations

Mark your calendars! The public showcases will be an exciting two-day celebration of innovation in each city:

KISUMU

• Division 1 (Class 4–6) – Saturday, July 5

• Division 2 (Class 7–Form 1) – Saturday, July 5

• Division 3 (Form 2–4) – Sunday, July 6

NAKURU

• Division 1 (Class 4–6) – Saturday, July 12

• Division 2 (Class 7–Form 1) – Saturday, July 12

• Division 3 (Form 2–4) – Sunday, July 13

The final showcase is proudly supported by Kenafric, SBM Bank, Gearbox, IX Data Centre, and Tropical Heat, with over 800 teams presenting their designs to judges from leading organizations including:

• Microsoft

• Moringa School

• Save the Children

• Mastercard Foundation

• Médecins Sans Frontières

• Qhala

• Zipline

• Zone01

• Lish AI Labs

• Loho Learning

• Kabarak University

Built in Kenya

Through The Tech Challenge, Kenyan students are proving they don’t just belong in global conversations on innovation; they lead them.

With each prototype, every team meeting, and every obstacle they overcome, students across the country are showing what’s possible when you give young minds the tools, space, and support to dream big.

At Swala Nyeti, we can’t wait to see the next great idea take flight, quite literally, in Drop & Dash 2025.

To learn more about how you or your school can join the movement, visit:

www.thetech.org/kenya 

Or explore how to bring the challenge to your county here:

The Tech Challenge Expansion Info