Echo Network Africa Launches Girls' Excel STEM Initiative with Mobile Labs to Transform Science Education

Echo Network Africa Launches Girls' Excel STEM Initiative with Mobile Labs to Transform Science Education
July 29th 2025
By Stella Ranji 

In a bold move to bridge the gender gap in science and technology, Echo Network Africa Foundation (ENA) has launched the Girls' Excel Initiative & STEM program, a transformative education project targeting underserved and remote schools across Kenya. Partnering with the Ministry of Education’s School Equipment Production Unit (SEPU), ENA unveiled mobile science laboratories that will bring hands-on science education to learners who have long lacked access to practical resources.

Speaking during the launch, ENA CEO Dr. Jennifer Riria emphasized the urgent need to reimagine the role of girls in science.

“We want girls to begin seeing themselves as scientists,” she said. “For years, we’ve complained that girls shy away from science subjects. It’s time we act and change that narrative.”



The mobile labs, which will be shared among clusters of schools, are designed to spark curiosity and confidence through experiential learning. Dr. Riria highlighted that empowering girls through education is not just about individual success but national progress.

 “Without a mother, there is no generation. If you don’t empower a mother, you are disempowering everyone,” she added.



Evidence of success has already emerged. During a three-year pilot program at Kangaru Girls’ High School, science performance saw remarkable improvement.

 “Girls who once scored D+ in science improved to A grades. Five of them went on to pursue science courses at university,” Dr. Riria revealed.



The long-term vision is even more ambitious.

 “It’s time we send a Kenyan woman to the Moon,” she declared. “There have been women from other countries, but now it’s our turn.”



Sarah Muhoya, Chief of Party at ENA, called on stakeholders to rally behind the cause.

 “There are over 28,000 public primary schools. This first phase, with 15 mobile labs, is just a drop in the ocean. Government alone cannot do it. We all have a civic duty.”



Each lab costs approximately KSh 200,000, and ENA is appealing for support from corporates, county governments, and individuals.

“This is achievable,” Muhoya stressed. “Let’s stop complaining and start creating solutions.”


With this initiative, Echo Network Africa is not just changing the way girls learn science — it’s changing what they believe they can become.




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