ENAF and Malaysian High Commission Expand STEM Access and Menstrual Dignity Support with Launch of 18th Mobile Science Laboratory

Kibera, Nairobi – May 28, 2026

By BRUNO Aero Family Media Staff Journal Education Attache,

High Commissioner of Malaysia to Kenya, His Excellency Ruzaimi Mohamad

reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to supporting educational development initiatives,

The East Africa National Foundation (ENAF), in partnership with the Malaysian High Commission in Kenya, marked Menstrual Hygiene Day with the commissioning of its 18th Mobile Science Laboratory at Kibera Primary School, reinforcing efforts to bridge educational inequalities and empower girls through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

The launch represents a significant milestone in ENAF’s mission to expand access to quality STEM learning resources in under-resourced schools across Kenya. With the addition of the Kibera Primary School laboratory, ENAF has now established 18 Mobile Science Laboratories in schools across 14 counties, providing thousands of learners with practical science learning opportunities aligned with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

ENAF President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jennifer Riria

reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment with 

High Commissioner Ruzaimi Mohamad

Supporting educational development initiatives

Speaking during the handover ceremony, ENAF President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jennifer Riria emphasized that achieving true STEM equity requires more than simply providing modern learning facilities. She noted that educational success is closely linked to addressing the social and economic barriers that prevent learners, particularly girls, from fully participating in school.

Dr. Riria said that while the country continues to invest in modern science infrastructure, many girls remain disadvantaged due to period poverty, which forces them to miss classes and limits their educational opportunities. She stressed that a state-of-the-art laboratory cannot benefit a learner who is absent from school because she lacks access to basic menstrual hygiene products.

“True STEM equity under the CBC curriculum requires a holistic approach. We cannot expect students to compete globally through theoretical learning alone, and we cannot expect girls to excel in STEM if period poverty continues to keep them out of school,” 

She said.To address this challenge, ENAF has integrated menstrual health support into its education programs through the Girls Excel Initiative. The initiative combines STEM education access with dignity support, ensuring that girls have the resources needed to remain in school and participate fully in learning.

During the current quarter alone, ENAF distributed 7,678 dignity kits to 3,855 girls across various schools, helping to tackle school absenteeism linked to menstrual health challenges. The initiative seeks to create an environment where girls can pursue their education with confidence and dignity while improving retention and performance in STEM subjects.

The partnership with the Malaysian High Commission has played a critical role in expanding the Mobile Science Laboratory program. The Kibera Primary School facility marks the second laboratory sponsored through the collaboration, following the successful deployment of a similar laboratory at Ngala School for the Deaf.

Dr. Riria expressed appreciation to the Malaysian government and the High Commissioner of Malaysia to Kenya, His Excellency Ruzaimi Mohamad, for supporting educational inclusion and helping to strengthen science learning opportunities for vulnerable learners.

She noted that the collaboration demonstrates the impact of international partnerships in addressing educational disparities and creating opportunities for children from marginalized communities to access quality education.

“Through partnerships such as this, we are creating pathways for learners to develop critical scientific skills, innovate, and compete effectively in a rapidly evolving global economy,” she said.

High Commissioner Ruzaimi Mohamad reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to supporting educational development initiatives that promote inclusion and equal opportunities for all learners. He praised ENAF’s integrated approach to addressing both educational infrastructure needs and the social challenges that affect school attendance among girls.

Education stakeholders attending the event hailed the Mobile Science Laboratory initiative as a transformative intervention that is helping schools overcome the limitations of inadequate laboratory facilities. The laboratories enable students to conduct practical science experiments, enhancing their understanding of scientific concepts and fostering a culture of innovation and problem-solving.

The launch comes at a time when Kenya is intensifying efforts to strengthen STEM education under the CBC framework, with increased emphasis on practical learning and skills development. However, experts have consistently pointed out that equal access to education requires addressing barriers such as poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and menstrual health challenges.

As ENAF continues to expand its footprint across the country, the organization is calling on corporate partners, development agencies, policymakers, and other stakeholders to join hands in supporting sustainable investments in STEM education and girls’ empowerment.

Dr. Riria urged public and private sector actors to co-invest in programs that simultaneously address educational access, gender equality, and social inclusion, noting that empowering girls today will contribute significantly to Kenya’s future economic growth and innovation capacity.

The event underscored the importance of integrating education, health, and social support systems to create an enabling environment where every child—regardless of background—has an equal opportunity to learn, thrive, and achieve their full potential.

With 18 Mobile Science Laboratories now operational across 14 counties and thousands of girls benefiting from dignity support programs, ENAF’s model continues to demonstrate how strategic partnerships can transform lives, strengthen communities, and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in STEM education.