MICROSCIENCE A WAY TO LEARN PHYSICAL SCIENCES IN KENYA

“We need to go microscience - using modern technology that is cheap,” says Prof. Shem Wandiga, the chairman of Kenya Chemical Societies (KCS), “in the pursuit of chemistry and physics – thus most schools can afford necessary facilities for practicals.”


Indeed, physical sciences are the worst hit in most schools in Kenya from lack of access to laboratory facilities, says the director for the Centre for Science and Technology Innovations, Kenya, “biological draws most of its materials from nature.”


“Microscience cost is reasonable – for Ksh 15,000 you can buy a kit and Chemicals for doing experiments for 40 students, for a whole year,” says Wandiga, “we're in the era of nano - measurements, microchips, and milligrams (mg) quantities.”


However the greatest challenge in adapting this new technology is retraining the teachers who have been trained in macroscience, points out the chemist, “we have to accept that the world is going small: when students graduate they are going to use small (micro) qualities in their scientific endeavors.”


The don says that all chemistry practicals can be done by harnessing microchemistry. Huge costs involved in the purchase of burnsen burners, gas cylinders and refilling the cylinders will be history – oil burners energy will be sufficient. This will bridge the gap of lack of facilities, that is prevalent in most schools in Kenya save national and some provincial schools. In learning electricity, electronics, magnetism, semiconductors, solenoids in physics – microphysics will become handy.


For science to play its rightful role – as an agent towards industrialization: Teachers need to be retrained to appreciate science than before; be armed with new methods of disseminating science; be horned with new ideas on the evolving technologies; yes, new means of carrying out experiments, articulates Wandiga, “thus they can do what they are doing better.”


“The problem in Kenya - we train for job – not for life,” says the current chairman of the Pan African Chemistry Network, Kenya, “if we're training for job we need to expand our job market – attract investors and entrepreneur who can open up the Kenyan chemical industry.”


Job opportunities for science graduates will motivate learners in primary and secondary schools to pursue pure and applied sciences with enthusiasm, the veteran researcher says,adding that, Kenya needs to invest in cheap source of electricity thus we can be able to add value to our raw resources before exporting.


Example, process titanium, sodium chloride and coal to end products. Titanium metal is in high demand in earoindustry ( making of planes, shuttles, ship), says the chemist, “the KCS is out to promote chemical sciences – by fostering a network for scientist to convergence, often.”


The association is mustering its acumen to see that theoretical knowledge is transferred to the industry, research findings are integrated in Government policy framework. From October 5-9, they will be meeting in Mombasa for a symposium, a conference on theoretical chemistry. KCS will soon be coming up with a professional exam for its members.