The Department of Chemistry and Material Science recently organised a training workshop themed Training on Public Engagement & Science Communication for Early Career Chemists. aimed at enhancing public engagement and science communication among early-career chemists.

PhD and Master’s students from various institutions including TU-K, University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Maseno University, Multimedia University, Bomet University, Thika Technical Training Institute, United States International University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology and Chuka University participated during the blended training - physical and virtual.

The initiative was made possible courtesy of a research a grant awarded by the Association of Commonwealth Universities to the Principal Investigator Dr. Peter Ndangili, a Senior Lecturer at TU-K and assisted by Prof Naumih Noah from the United States International University -Africa. Mr. Nicholas Outa, an expert in Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Founder of WritingHub Africa together with Ms. Ann Mucheke, a Communications and Media expert were the main facilitators.

The participants discussed practical techniques for explaining complex scientific research into clear, community-oriented messages. The training emphasised the importance of making science accessible and relevant to the public, thereby closing the gap between researchers and society.

Mr. Outa encouraged the attendees to communicate beyond academic circles by tailoring their messages to specific audiences, engaging communities directly, and maintaining accuracy in their messaging. He reminded them, “You are humans first, before scientists,” highlighting the value of empathy in science communication.

Ms. Mucheke focused on how to engage non-scientific audiences effectively. She advised that when communicating science, people should come before numbers, as statistics alone can be overwhelming or misunderstood without context. She cited real-world examples, including media headlines that have sparked public concern due to poor communication, such as “Coffee Causes Cancer.”