The Secretary for ICT Dr. Kate Getao has said there is need to encourage girls and women to take up science, technologyand engineering based subjects, and courses to enable them participate in developing innovative engineering solutions.

Dr Gitau said parents and teachers should desist from stereotyping girlsas less intelligent to study mathematics and sciences perceived to be hard subjects meant for boys. She said, instead girls shouldbe inspired to take interest inthe subjects that would lead them to study engineering and technology related courses in institutions of higher learning.

Speaking at the United States International University (USIU) today at the TechWomen Conference, Dr Gitau said meaningful development in the country can only be realized when women, who make more than half the population participate in providing solutions to science, technology and engineering challenges in the country.

Dr Gitau observed that only 30 percent of college going students doing Science, Technology, Engineering and mathematics arewomen, a situation she noted must be corrected. She regretted that more than half the women who register for science courses in universities drop the program for other courses before completing.

She said the government was taking measures to address the disparities between male and female students studying science and technology based program by providing incentives and mentorship programs to women.

She said already, the government, through the Presidential Digital Talent program was taking newly graduated girls on board for internship in the Public and Private sectors for one year where they learn work place experience and innovative solutions under mentorship.

By Cheruiyot Korir – February 10, 2017