Igniting Her Future: InnovateHER roll out at The Toolkit for Skills and Innovation Hub

On May 28th, 2025, The Toolkit For Skills and Innovation proudly hosted the InnovateHER STEM–TVET Day, marking a groundbreaking history step in empowering young women to lead in STEM-TVET and vocational careers. The STEM – TVET roll out in Kiambu County, is a transformative initiative designed to bridge the gender gap in STEM and TVET.

In strategic partnership with The Toolkit for Skills and Innovation, CAP Youth Empowerment Institute (CAP-YEI), and EdSource Africa, this milestone event brought together a powerful coalition of stakeholders committed to equipping young women with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to lead in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics vocational careers.

At The Toolkit for Skills and Innovation, we showcased the power of practical, future-focused training during the InnovateHER STEM–TVET rollout. From advanced welding using Virtual Reality, to sustainable agriculture and organic farming, solar energy technologies, and entrepreneurship, participants experienced hands-on learning designed to equip young women with the skills and confidence to lead in STEM and vocational careers. We ignite innovation, inspire leadership, and build a future where every girl can thrive.

The event was honoured by Dr. Winnie Bulimo, Deputy Director at the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), who represented Dr. Alice Kande, Chief Executive Officer of KNQA. Dr. Bulimo delivered an impactful keynote address on emphasizing the critical need to establish a sustainable and inclusive pipeline for women in STEM and TVET sectors.

In her address, Jane Kamphuis, Co-Founder of The Toolkit for Skills and Innovation, shared her unwavering vision:

“We are not just preparing girls for jobs — we are preparing them to lead innovations, transform industries, and shape the future of this country. Every young woman who walks through these doors should know: her ideas matter, her voice is powerful, and her future is limitless.”

Priscilla Kerebi, Co-Founder of InnovateHER, also delivered inspiring remarks, echoing the shared mission to build a Kenya where girls can innovate, lead, and thrive.

Panel Discussion: “Breaking Barriers for Women in STEM and TVET”
A dynamic conversation featuring:
Dr. Juliah (JKUAT), Eng. Mercy Muchina (Global Mentorship Initiative & Telkom Kenya Ltd),
Dr. Simon Njagi, Shamsia Mohamed Ganu (CAP-YEI), Nelson Komba (Generation Kenya),
Eng. Yolanda Masinde (Chief Engineer, KPC), Catherine Cheche (Ajira Yangu),
and representatives from Oljoro Foods Ltd and Electricity Sector Association of Kenya (ESAK).

Breakaway Sessions focused on:

1. Entrepreneurship & Innovation led by Esther Liberatta from The Toolkit for Skills and Innovation, who delivered powerful insights on turning ideas into sustainable venture.
2. Career Alignment & Skills Mapping.
3. Leadership Development for Young Women.
4. Mentorship Circles & Life Skills Training – Facilitated by experienced professionals and mentors to empower participants with soft skills, confidence, and career readiness.
5. Career Exhibition & Networking Walkabout

A vibrant space connecting young women with professionals, mentors, and employers from various sectors.

Official launch of Innovate Her STEM- TVET roll out in Kiambu County
Marking a significant step toward inclusive, grassroots innovation and mentorship for girls in STEM.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all institutions, organisations and Partners whose presence and participation made this launch a resounding success:

The Toolkit Skills and Innovation Alumni, Mathare Social Justice Centre, Oljoro Foods Limited, Retail Trade Association of Kenya, Next Step Foundation, Ujuzi Institute of Career Development, Ngong Road Children’s Foundation, Chipurobo, Electricity Sector Association of Kenya (ESAK), Generation Kenya, Ajira Yangu, Innova Properties, ENACT youth skills, SOMA-SIRI Afrika, and EdSource Africa, KONZA Technopolis, Association for Women in Energy and Extractives in Kenya (AWEIK), Solar Mtaani, Uhuru Academy, Limuru Girls, Karai Secondary, Karai VTC, Nachu VTC, Muchatha VTC, PC Kinyanjui, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and P.C.E.A Ngong Church Parish, St. Kizito and The Nairobi Technical Training Polytechnic.

Together we are laying the foundation for a Kenya where every girl has the power to innovate, lead, and transform her future.

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