Kenya Science and Engineering Fair (KSEF) Project Categories – 2026 (JSS & Senior School)

  1. JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL (JSS)
S/NoCategoryDetails
1Mathematical, Chemical and Physical ScienceAlgebra, Analysis, Applied mathematics, Geometry, Probability and data handling.General physics and general Chemistry. Solids, instrumentation, particle physics and physical chemistryCommunications, Computational science, Computer systems, OS
2Biological and Environmental ScienceCellular biology, General biology, First aid and safety, reproductive health, disease prevention, public health, personal health and hygiene, human body health, plant physiology, drug use and effect.Bioremediation, Ecosystems management, Environmental engineering, Land resource management, Recycling, Waste management, , Pollution
3AgricultureAgricultural production. Value addition on agricultural products, irrigation and water management. Resource conservation, urban and small-space farming, indigenous and local farming techniques, pest and disease control, agriculture mechanization practicesDevelopment of food products, Food packaging, Food preservation techniques, Food safety and hygiene. Nutrition and healthy eating. Indigenous knowledge in food. Food innovations
4Technology and EngineeringRenewable and appropriate technology, creation/building, modification and improvement of machines/ equipment /tools, innovations in science, industry, knowledge economy & research development.
5Energy and transportationRenewable and non-renewable energies, energy conservation, energy sources and transfer. Sustainable Transportation modes and infrastructure.
6Social & Behavioural scienceAnimal conservation, psychology, Behavioural change, response to disaster and stress management and life skills
  1. SENIOR SCHOOL CATEGORIES
S/NOCATEGORYDETAILS
1MATHEMATICAL SCIENCEAlgebra, Analysis, Applied mathematics, Geometry, Probability and Statistics
2PHYSICSAstronomy, Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Instrumentation, Electronics, Magnetics, Electromagnetism, Particle Physics, Optics, Lasers
3COMPUTER SCIENCEAlgorithms, Data bases, Artificial intelligence, Networking and communications, computational science, Graphs, Computer system, OS, Programming
4CHEMISTRYAnalytical chemistry, General chemistry, Inorganic chemistry, Organic chemistry and Physical chemistry
5BIOLOGY Cellular Biology, Molecular genetics.      
6ENERGY AND TRANSPORTATIONAerospace and Aeronautical Engineering, Alternative fuels, Fossil fuel energy, Vehicle development, Renewable energies
7ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENTBioremediation, Ecosystems management, Environmental engineering, Land resource management,
8AGRICULTUREAgriculture / Agronomy Development, Photosynthesis, plant physiology, plant evolution, Animal Sciences (Animal Husbandry)
9FOOD TECHNOLOGY/ HOME ECONOMICSDevelopment of food products, Food engineering, Food microbiology, Food packing, Food preservation, Food safety, New products development.
10ENGINEERINGDesign, building, use of engines, machines and structures, apparatus, manufacturing processes
11TECHNOLOGY AND APPLIED TECHNOLOGYAppropriate technology, innovations in science, industry, knowledge economy & research development.
12BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCEPsychology, Animal conservation, behavioural change, response to disaster and stress management
13AUTOMATION & MISSION-BASED ROBOTICSOperation of robots, Coding and execution of missions
14RESEARCH- BASED ROBOTICS AND INTELLIGENT MACHINESCreation of robots and intelligent machines to solve a problem in society. Features include Artificial Intelligence, Smart Systems and improvisation
15CLOTHING, TEXILES AND DECORFashion design and creativity in fabrics, patterns, decorations, recycling and up-cycling of fabrics. Textile care and maintenance. Dye work, Spinning.
16MICROBIOLOGY AND HEALTH SCIENCEImmunology, Antibiotics, Antimicrobials, Bacteriology, Virology, Medicine and health sciences
17SPACE SCIENCEOuter space, Aerospace, astronomy, Aeronautic engineering od space, drones
18WASTE MANAGEMENTRecycling, Waste management, Pollution

The Kenya Science and Engineering Fair (KSEF) 2026 project categories for Junior Secondary School (JSS) and Senior School are structured to promote scientific inquiry, creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills in line with the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Junior Secondary School (JSS) Categories

At the Junior Secondary level, KSEF projects are organized into broad, integrated categories that help learners build strong foundations in science, technology, environmental awareness, and social responsibility. These include Mathematical, Chemical and Physical Sciences; Biological and Environmental Sciences; Agriculture; Technology and Engineering; Energy and Transportation; and Social and Behavioural Sciences. The focus is on understanding basic concepts, promoting health and safety, conserving the environment, and applying knowledge to everyday challenges.

Senior School Categories

At Senior School level, KSEF projects become more specialized and aligned to career pathways. Categories include Mathematical Science, Physics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Biology, Agriculture, Environmental Science and Management, Engineering, Technology and Applied Technology, Energy and Transportation, Food Technology/Home Economics, Clothing, Textiles and Décor, Robotics, Microbiology and Health Science, Space Science, Waste Management, and Behavioural Science.

These categories encourage learners to engage in research, innovation, automation, sustainable development, and entrepreneurship, preparing them for higher education, technical training, and future careers.

Purpose of KSEF Categories

Across both JSS and Senior School, KSEF categories aim to:

  • Foster innovation and creativity
  • Promote scientific and technological skills
  • Encourage environmental conservation and sustainability
  • Address health, safety, and community needs
  • Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills

The KSEF framework ensures a smooth progression from foundational learning in JSS to advanced innovation and research in Senior School, supporting national development goals and global scientific advancement.

  • mbeva

    Dominic Mbeva is a science teacher, experienced researcher, innovator, and creative technologist with expertise in STEM education, digital media, and scientific research. As a Kenya Science and Engineering Fair (KSEF) advisor and projects manager, he mentors young scientists, guiding them in developing award-winning innovations. He is also an IC Technorat, leading advancements in science and technology. Beyond education, Dominic is a skilled photographer and video editor, using visual storytelling to make science more engaging. His philosophy, “If you take care of minutes, hours will take care of themselves,” reflects his belief in consistent effort, strategic thinking, and innovation to drive success in both research and creativity.

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