Riara Springs girls flying Kenyan flag high at Global STEM Olympiad in Rome, Italy

The learners are competing alongside other outstanding young innovators from more than 150 countries at the international competition, running from July 2 to July 8, 2026.

The STEM Olympiad is an international competition that brings together young innovators to apply their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through practical engineering challenges and collaborative problem-solving.

Among the highlights of the competition are the school's Junior and Senior Bridge Teams, who are demonstrating exceptional creativity, collaboration and engineering skills as they compete against teams from across the globe.

"At Riara Springs Girls' School, we are committed to nurturing learners who are curious, innovative and equipped to solve real-world challenges," said Mrs Jane Mulinge, Principal, Riara Springs Girls' School.

"Experiences such as the STEM Olympiad bring learning to life by enabling our learners to apply their learning in authentic global settings while strengthening the competencies at the heart of Kenya's Competency-Based Education (CBE)."

During the Olympiad, learners participated in two challenging engineering events designed to test their technical knowledge, innovation and teamwork.

The Bridge Challenge required teams to design and construct the strongest and longest bridge possible using the fewest popsicle sticks within a limited time, testing structural engineering principles, strategic planning and efficient resource management.

"Seeing them compete alongside young innovators from more than 150 countries is a proud milestone for our school and a testament to their hard work, resilience and teamwork. We are confident they will continue to demonstrate excellence while inspiring other young women to pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics," added Mrs Mulinge.

In the Plane Challenge, learners designed and built a motorised aircraft using popsicle sticks, a small motor and propellers. Their objective was to create a plane capable of successfully taking off, combining engineering design, aerodynamics and practical problem-solving.

Throughout both challenges, the Riara Springs Girls' School team displayed remarkable creativity, resilience and collaboration. Their enthusiasm and determination reflected the school's commitment to excellence, innovation and teamwork while showcasing the calibre of Kenyan learners on the international stage.

The STEM Olympiad will culminate in a closing ceremony on Tuesday, July 7, where outstanding teams will be recognised and awarded for their performance across the various competition categories.

The Riara Springs Girls' School community looks forward to celebrating the achievements of its learners as the global event comes to a close.

"Participation in the STEM Olympiad reflects Riara Springs Girls' School's commitment to providing learners with globally relevant experiences that extend beyond the classroom. By engaging with peers from around the world, the learners are strengthening the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to become the next generation of innovators, engineers and leaders," said the principal.