Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), in partnership with the Australian Globally Engaged Learners program, hosted the second Annual Kids’ Conference Africa on July 12, 2025.
The hybrid conference provided a platform for students aged 12–18 years from Kenya and across Africa to showcase their innovations, turning their ideas into tangible solutions across various fields. This initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of students and their teachers.
Dr. Stephen Spain, founder of the Kids’ Conference, expressed gratitude to JKUAT for hosting the event and commended the teachers for their dedication in guiding the students.
“I am impressed by the amazing projects the students will be presenting. Having gone through some of them, I am moved by the fact that you did not sleep on your curiosity to come up with innovations to improve the world. I urge you to try and sell your ideas beyond the school setup to improve the community and inspire those
behind you,” said Dr. Spain.
Addressing the participants, JKUAT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi, encouraged the students to embrace curiosity and pursue their dreams with boldness.
“I want you to know this: your ideas matter. Your curiosity is your greatest strength. Keep asking questions, keep building, and keep dreaming. Learn from your peers, share your thoughts, and don’t be afraid to fail—that’s how we learn,” emphasized Prof. Ngumi in her speech, delivered by Registrar of Academic Affairs, Dr. Aggrey Wanyama.
She also highlighted university initiatives such as Open Days and school visitation programs, which allow high school students to explore JKUAT’s facilities and academic offerings, helping them make informed career choices.
The conference featured presentations from various schools, with projects designed not just for display but to provide impactful solutions. Among the standout innovations was an Areameter, a gadget developed to help farmers accurately measure the size of their land. Another remarkable project was a hybrid house washing machine capable of vacuuming and mopping simultaneously, saving time and reducing the burden of cleaning in separate steps. Additionally, students showcased their learning in entrepreneurship with a purpose, focusing on financial literacy, ethical business practices, and the importance of saving from a young age.
Dr. Eng. Hiram Nderitu, Principal of the College of Engineering and Technology (COETEC), engaged the students in a lively Q&A session. With many attendees being final-year high school students, he addressed their concerns about choosing engineering careers.
“There are opportunities in every field you decide to pursue. The key is understanding how to stand out in your chosen area. Once you get an opportunity, focus less on what you will earn and more on the skills you will build,” advised Dr. Nderitu.
He also encouraged the students to use their innovations as a means of collaboration, exchanging ideas to develop solutions for the future.
The conference reinforced the importance of nurturing creativity and enhancing problem-solving skills among Africa’s next generation of leaders.