Team Kenya Robotics flagged off for 2026 FIRST Global Challenge in South Korea

The team was flagged off by Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, during a ceremony held at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Sunday morning.

The young innovators will compete in the international robotics competition scheduled for October 7 to 10, 2026, where they will showcase Kenya’s growing capabilities in science, technology, engineering and innovation.

This year’s competition, themed “Igniting Innovation,” will bring together young innovators from around the world to develop technological solutions focused on wildfire prevention, mitigation and recovery.

Team Kenya will compete against teams from different countries in robotics, engineering, innovation, teamwork, creativity and problem-solving.

The team heads to South Korea following an impressive performance at the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge in Panama City, where Kenya won a silver medal and finished as first runners-up.

The achievement highlighted the growing potential of Kenyan youth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), while further positioning the country as an emerging player in global robotics and technological innovation.

The Government has continued to promote STEM education and innovation through initiatives aimed at equipping young Kenyans with the skills and knowledge needed to compete in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.

Kenya’s participation in this year’s competition is also expected to expose the young innovators to international networks, emerging technologies and opportunities for collaboration, while inspiring more learners to pursue STEM education and careers.