A team of 34 learners from Riara Springs Girls' School is flying Kenya's flag at the 2026 STEM Olympiad Grand Finale in Rome, Italy, where young innovators from more than 150 countries are competing in engineering and problem-solving challenges.
The international event provides students with an opportunity to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills in practical competitions while showcasing Kenya's growing focus on innovation and competency-based learning.
Riara Springs Girls Showcase Engineering Skills on Global Stage
The competition, running from July 2 to July 8, brings together some of the world's brightest young innovators to tackle real-world engineering challenges through teamwork and creativity.
Representing Kenya, the Riara Springs Girls' School delegation is competing in both the Junior and Senior Bridge Challenge categories, where learners are demonstrating technical knowledge, collaboration, and innovative thinking.
School Principal Jane Mulinge said the competition aligns with the institution's commitment to nurturing learners who can solve practical challenges through science and technology.
She noted that international platforms such as the STEM Olympiad enable students to apply classroom knowledge while developing competencies promoted under Kenya's Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum.
Competition Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| School | Riara Springs Girls' School |
| Kenyan Participants | 34 learners |
| Competition | 2026 STEM Olympiad Grand Finale |
| Venue | Rome, Italy |
| Participating Countries | More than 150 |
| Event Dates | July 2–8, 2026 |
STEM Olympiad Journey
Kenyan Learners
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Global STEM Olympiad
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Engineering Challenges
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Innovation & Teamwork
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International Recognition
The competition challenges learners to apply engineering principles under strict time and resource constraints.
Learners Tackle Bridge and Aircraft Engineering Challenges
One of the featured contests is the Bridge Challenge, where teams design and construct the strongest and longest bridge possible using a limited number of popsicle sticks.
The task assesses participants' understanding of structural engineering, strategic planning, and efficient use of materials.
Learners also participated in the Plane Challenge, which required teams to design and build a motorised aircraft using popsicle sticks, a small motor, and propellers.
Success in the challenge depended on combining engineering design, aerodynamics and practical problem-solving to achieve a successful take-off.
Throughout both events, the Kenyan team demonstrated creativity, resilience, and effective collaboration while competing against peers from across the world.
International Exposure Strengthens STEM Learning
According to Principal Jane Mulinge, participating in the Olympiad gives learners valuable international exposure while inspiring more girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
She said the experience allows students to build confidence, strengthen technical skills, and interact with young innovators from diverse countries and cultures.
The 2026 STEM Olympiad Grand Finale will conclude with a closing ceremony on July 7, where outstanding teams will be recognized for their performance across different competition categories.
For Riara Springs Girls' School, participation reflects a broader commitment to providing globally relevant learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
As Kenyan learners compete alongside the world's best young innovators, they continue to demonstrate the country's growing potential in STEM education while encouraging more girls to pursue careers in engineering, technology and scientific research.
