STEM Labs Upgraded Across Key Nairobi Public Schools

Nairobi’s public schools are set to benefit from a sweeping upgrade of STEM laboratories as part of Kenya’s national education reforms. The Ministry of Education has announced plans to construct 1,600 new physical laboratories and establish 2,000 virtual labs beginning in January 2025, ensuring that learners have access to modern facilities when they transition into senior school under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). The initiative is designed to prepare students for advanced studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, while also bridging gaps in schools that previously lacked adequate lab infrastructure.
The upgrades come at a critical time as Kenya positions itself as a regional leader in innovation and digital skills. According to Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang, the government’s goal is to ensure that by the time the first CBC cohort reaches Grade 10 in 2026, every school will be equipped with at least one functional STEM lab. The labs will support hands-on learning in subjects such as robotics, coding, chemistry, and physics, while virtual labs will allow students to simulate experiments digitally, expanding access to schools with limited resources. Importantly, learners will have the freedom to choose from three pathways—STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts—based on their interests and career goals, ensuring flexibility in the new curriculum.
Reactions from educators and parents have been largely positive, with many praising the government’s investment in STEM as a way to boost Kenya’s competitiveness in the global knowledge economy. Teachers say the labs will help students develop critical problem-solving skills and practical experience, while parents view the upgrades as a step toward reducing inequalities between well-resourced urban schools and those in underserved areas. Looking ahead, education officials believe the expanded STEM infrastructure will not only enhance learning outcomes but also inspire more Nairobi students to pursue careers in science and technology, strengthening Kenya’s workforce for the future.