Tracey is in a world where laws bend to the artist’s will or whim. Only she is less of an artist and more of a scientist. “To make science more enjoyable in Kenyan schools, I helped found FunKe Science whose goal is to make science fun for children,” she says.
She and her friend realised a lack of confidence or know-how in using the lab technical equipment at the University of Nairobi. Upon further inquiry, she found that many of the students only step into a lab setting when doing KCSE or a week before. And that’s it.
“That’s when we decided to create a system that would make science accessible not just to us as budding scientists but also to the larger public.”
FunKe has attracted children from Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Morocco.
"That’s when we decided to create a system that would make science accessible not just to us as budding scientists but also to the larger public."
“It is eye-opening how technology can inspire across borders,” she says.
Tracey, who holds a Master’s in Environmental Chemistry from the University of Nairobi complementing her Master’s in Project Management (from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology) says that the next frontier is inspiring the next generation of African scientists by making science accessible for children.
How is the view from the science peak? “I have a lot more women to bring up with me. My ladder is open to pulling many women up here. We can all climb and enjoy the view together.”
She picks the freshest flowers for Claire Munene (Customer Experience Director at Telkom Kenya) and Patricia Okello (Co-founder Kayana Create), who, she says embodies the ultimate womanhood, that you can have it all.
“I want to be her, but for STEM.”
Eddy Ashioya
