Kenya shines at global STEM Olympiad, bags 44 medals in Rome

Kenya has reaffirmed its growing reputation as an emerging force in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education after winning 44 medals at the 2026 International STEM Olympiad Grand Finals in Rome, Italy.

 Representing the country, Riara Springs Girls' School delivered an outstanding performance, scooping five gold medals, 10 silver medals, 13 bronze medals and 16 honourable mentions in one of the world's most competitive STEM contests.

 The achievement came against a field of more than 3,000 of the world's brightest students from 54 countries, all of whom had qualified through their respective national STEM Olympiads.

 Thirty-four learners from the Nairobi-based school represented Kenya at the week-long competition held between July 2 and July 8, showcasing the country's growing strength in engineering, innovation and problem-solving under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum.

 School Principal Jane Mulinge hailed the learners for their exceptional performance, saying the results reflected months of hard work, discipline and resilience.

 "To return with 44 medals against such elite global competition is a testament to our students' hard work, resilience and excellence. We are incredibly proud of how they represented our school and Kenya on the international stage," she said.

 The Olympiad provided a platform for young innovators to tackle practical engineering challenges designed to test technical knowledge, creativity, teamwork and resource management.

 Riara Springs fielded both Junior and Senior Bridge Teams, competed in contests that required participants to develop innovative engineering solutions using limited materials.

 One of the signature events was the Bridge Challenge, where teams designed and constructed the strongest and longest bridge possible using the fewest popsicle sticks. The challenge tested structural engineering principles, planning, efficiency and resource optimisation.

 The students also participated in the Plane Challenge, where they built motorised aircraft using popsicle sticks, miniature motors and propellers.

 The contest assessed participants' understanding of aerodynamics, engineering design and practical problem-solving.

 According to the school, the Kenyan team demonstrated exceptional creativity, collaboration and resilience throughout the competition, highlighting the quality of local STEM education.

 Mulinge said participation in international competitions allows learners to translate classroom knowledge into practical solutions while exposing them to global standards in science and engineering.

 "At Riara Springs Girls' School, we are committed to nurturing learners who are curious, innovative and equipped to solve real-world challenges. Competitions such as the STEM Olympiad bring learning to life by allowing our learners to apply their knowledge in authentic global settings while strengthening the competencies at the heart of Kenya's Competency-Based Education," she said.

 The strong showing comes as Kenya continues to invest in STEM learning as part of efforts to prepare young people for careers in engineering, technology, artificial intelligence and innovation-driven industries.

 Education stakeholders have increasingly encouraged schools to expose learners to international competitions, arguing that such platforms help develop critical thinking, creativity and collaboration skills needed in the future workforce.

 The Rome finals brought together top-performing students who had advanced through national qualification rounds, making the event one of the most prestigious global STEM competitions for school-going learners.

 For Riara Springs, the performance marks another milestone in its efforts to position Kenyan learners among the world's best innovators.

 School officials said the experience extended beyond winning medals, giving students an opportunity to collaborate with peers from different countries, exchange ideas and gain international exposure.

 Throughout the competition, the Kenyan team displayed determination, teamwork and ingenuity, qualities that judges said are increasingly critical in solving modern engineering and technological challenges.

 The Olympiad concluded with a grand closing ceremony recognising outstanding performers across the various competition categories.

 With 44 medals returning home, Kenya's impressive showing is expected to further boost confidence in the country's STEM education programmes and inspire more learners to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology.

 The achievement also reinforces Kenya's ambition of nurturing a generation of innovators capable of competing on the global stage while providing practical solutions to local and international challenges.