The quest by government to strengthen research has received a boost after a group of researchers in Siaya launched a high altitude weather balloon.

The technology, which is a first in the region, attracted students, scientists and curious residents who came out to witness the inaugural project.

At exactly 9:58 am, the five-meter size balloon was released into the air, amid cheers from the crowd, who kept their eyes on the kit.

The hydrogen-filled balloon was released into the sky at Siaya Institute of Science and Technology to collect climate data on rainfall, temperature, humidity and land surface temperature for scientists back on Earth for validation.

According to Mr Allan Okoth, the founder of STEM 2030, a partner in the research project, the balloon was to fly 90,000 metres above sea level.

"The idea behind the launch of the project was to give learners a practical experience of what they learn in class," said Okoth adding that another purpose of the project was to show the students the curve of the earth.

"Photographs taken by the balloon would show how the earth looks," he said, adding that some maize seeds were also attached to the balloon.

He explained that the seeds were to be subjected to very cold temperatures and thereafter recovered before being planted around Mbaga Girls.

Mr Okoth, who was also accompanied by Caleb Ochieng, a board member of Siaya Community Library, said they are planning to scale up the project to become a regular school holiday activity.

"Our aim is to excite young people in STEM by enabling them to undertake some of the activities," he said, adding that they are looking forward to continued partnerships.

According to Mr Ochieng, there is a need to encourage young people to take science subjects seriously.

"Such technologies will help in addressing the many questions on environmental and agricultural concerns," he said.

Another partner, Wycliffe Otieno of Kito International said that with the recent launch of Taifa One Satellite, there is a need to encourage young people to position themselves for such activities.

The balloon, which is said to have landed in the neighbouring Busia County at around 1pm is said to have taken the villagers by shock.

Speaking to The Standard minutes after the balloon landed, Mr Ochieng said the villagers had to call the police after the 'strange' object landed in the area.

"We had to rush to the scene to explain to them the idea behind the object," said Mr Ochieng.

Siaya County Chief Officer for Education Henry Ouma lauded the project, saying that with the changing education system, learners should be encouraged to take science subjects.

"As a County Government, we are in the process of introducing e-learning in ECD in order to impact technological skills to learners at a very early stage," said Ouma.