A total of 178 high school leavers have shown interest to join Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) attachment scheme this year.

Speaking during the School Leavers Attachment Scheme Open Day in Kilifi town, Acting Deputy Director at KEMRI Kilifi Sophie Uyoga said the programme targets students who have just completed their KCSE examinations.

“The programme targets students who attained a B+ and above in their KCSE and sat their KCPE in schools within Kilifi County,” Uyoga said.

She noted that the students will undergo a three-month placement to gain exposure to scientific research and help them determine whether they would like to pursue research as a career.

“The attachment enables them to understand research work and decide whether they have an interest in taking it up as a career, as part of our efforts to nurture the next generation of scientists,” she xplained.

Dr Uyoga cited inadequate funding as the main challenge facing the programme despite increasing demand to expand the intake.

“We have received many appeals to increase the number of trainees but lack of sufficient funds remains a major challenge. Each trainee currently receives a monthly allowance of Ksh25,000 and medical insurance cover,” she said.

She added that since inception in 2010, the project has provided scientific research training to 143 candidates, 20 per cent of whom have been absorbed by the institution after completing their university studies.

Dr Uyoga underlined the need to replicate similar initiatives in all sub-counties in Kilifi to accommodate more beneficiaries while urging the county government to initiate similar schemes.

“It is important to have such programmes in various sub-counties within Kilifi to ensure that those who miss out on the KEMRI opportunity can also benefit,” she said.

Kilifi County Executive Committee Member for Education and ICT Felkin Kaingu told youth to embrace science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving world.

“Young people should embrace innovative studies, especially STEM courses, to keep up with the modern world driven by innovation in various sectors, including science,” said Kaingu.

He added that the Kilifi County Government would collaborate with KEMRI to mobilise more resources.

“As a county government, we will work closely with the institution to seek additional funding so that more students can benefit from this training every year,” he said.

•  A Tell Media / KNA report / By Stephen Mrira