The study entitled «Gender Disparities in STEM Programmes in Kenya: the case of Dedan Kimathi University of Technology», conducted by researchers at DeKUT and published in 2024 as part of the GRAIN project, analyses gender inequalities in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields in Kenya.
Drawing on data from the KUCCPS (2019–2023), the authors show that the proportion of women enrolled in STEM programmes at DeKUT remains below 30 %, falling to 26.4 % in 2023. A comparison with other Kenyan universities reveals similar trends, confirming that these disparities are systemic at the national level. The gaps are particularly pronounced in engineering programmes (fewer than 25 % of women), whilst science and mathematics disciplines show uneven progress (for example, 41.8 % of women in science in 2021, compared with 27.9 % in 2023).
The causes identified include gender stereotypes, a lack of female role models, and cultural and educational barriers, as confirmed by previous studies (UNESCO, 2019; Mukhwana et al., 2020).
The authors also emphasise the need to adopt an intersectional approach in order to take account of the multiple forms of discrimination.
To address this, they recommend:
the introduction of mentoring programmes for female STEM students; ;
awareness-raising campaigns against stereotypes; ;
a review of education policies, particularly with regard to admission criteria and the allocation of grants.
This study makes a significant contribution to the global debate on gender equality in science and technology careers, a key issue for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Read the full article here:
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