The Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy has flagged off Team Kenya Robotics to represent the country at the 2026 FIRST Global Challenge in Incheon, Republic of Korea. The team was flagged off by Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, during a ceremony held at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Sunday morning.
The young innovators will compete in the international robotics competition scheduled for October 7 to 10, 2026, where they will showcase Kenya’s growing capabilities in science, technology, engineering and innovation. This year’s competition, themed “Igniting Innovation,” will bring together young innovators from around the world to develop technological solutions focused on wildfire prevention, mitigation and recovery.
Team Kenya will compete against teams from different countries in robotics, engineering, innovation, teamwork, creativity and problem-solving. The team heads to South Korea following an impressive performance at the 2025 FIRST Global Challenge in Panama City, where Kenya won a silver medal and finished as first runners-up.
The achievement highlighted the growing potential of Kenyan youth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, while further positioning the country as an emerging player in global robotics and technological innovation. The Government has continued to promote STEM education and innovation through initiatives aimed at equipping young Kenyans with the skills and knowledge needed to compete in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
Kenya’s participation in this year’s competition is also expected to expose the young innovators to international networks, emerging technologies and opportunities for collaboration, while inspiring more learners to pursue STEM education and careers. This exposure is seen as crucial in enhancing the country’s innovation ecosystem and fostering a culture of technological innovation among its youth.
The 2026 FIRST Global Challenge is expected to attract teams from around the world, all vying for top honors in robotics and innovation. With their impressive track record, Team Kenya Robotics is poised to make a significant impact at the competition and further raise the profile of Kenyan innovation on the global stage.
Key points
- Team Kenya Robotics was flagged off to represent Kenya at the 2026 FIRST Global Challenge in Incheon, Republic of Korea.
- The team will compete in robotics, engineering, innovation, teamwork, creativity and problem-solving against teams from different countries.
- Kenya’s participation aims to expose young innovators to international networks, emerging technologies and opportunities for collaboration.
