Over 200 Junior School teachers in Kisumu County have been trained to use virtual laboratories and digital resources to enhance the teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects. Spearheaded by the Centre for Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa (CEMASTEA), the initiative targets schools that lack physical laboratories, bridging the gap between theory and hands-on practice. Virtual labs provide interactive simulations, experiments, and tools that replicate real-life laboratory conditions, giving students a practical, risk-free learning experience. The training equips teachers with skills to integrate these resources into their lessons, ensuring students can visualize scientific concepts and engage deeply with experiments.
CEMASTEA trainers highlighted that the digital platform offers modules across physics, chemistry, and biology, complete with instructions, theoretical background, and assessments to guide effective learning. This approach not only makes science education more inclusive but also mitigates challenges posed by limited infrastructure. Teachers practicing with the system can adapt the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and peer-teach, fostering collaboration and improving lesson delivery. The initiative also supports scaling STEM education in line with Kenya’s Vision 2030, demonstrating that digital solutions can enhance student understanding and engagement even in resource-constrained schools.
Despite its benefits, access to electricity, devices, and internet connectivity remains a major challenge, particularly in underserved areas. Trainers urged the government to support schools in addressing these gaps to ensure equitable access to STEM learning. Teachers who participated in the training emphasized that digital labs help students grasp complex concepts more easily, and they called for more extensive teacher training programs to reach hardship areas. By leveraging virtual laboratories, CEMASTEA aims to provide all students with the opportunity to experience practical science, ensuring no learner is left behind and paving the way for a future-ready STEM workforce in Kenya.