Kenya Makes History at the 2025 FIRST Global Robotics Olympiad in Panama City
By Carolyne Tomno
For the first time ever, Team Kenya has made history by winning silver at the prestigious FIRST Global Robotics Olympiad, a competition described as the “Olympics of Robotics.” The thrilling event took place at the Panama Convention Center from October 29 to November 1, 2025, bringing together brilliant young innovators from over 190 countries.
The Kenyan team’s triumph marks a groundbreaking moment ,not just for Kenya, but for Africa by showcasing the continent’s growing talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Each year, the FIRST Global Challenge invites one team from every nation to design and program robots that tackle real-world issues. The competition seeks to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers to use technology for good to address global challenges such as climate change, clean energy, and sustainable agriculture.
The Kenyan students’ winning design impressed judges with its innovation, teamwork, and precision, embodying the spirit of the challenge: collaboration beyond borders. Their robot successfully completed a series of complex tasks that demanded not only technical excellence but also strategic thinking, creativity, and agility.
“This win proves that young Africans can lead the world in technology and innovation when given the opportunity,” said the team members , beaming with pride after the results were announced.
For the past nine years, Kenya has participated in the FIRST Global Challenge, consistently improving its performance. But 2025 stands out as a defining year when Kenya rose to the top of the global robotics stage.
Beyond the medals and global applause, the experience has equipped the young innovators with invaluable life skills including curiosity, teamwork, compassion, problem-solving, and networking preparing them to shape the future of technology and society.
