University students are playing a vital role in creating innovative solutions to address societal challenges, as the Government places emphasis on supporting entrepreneurship and research in order to foster innovation.
AirSafi, a creation of Zetech University students Kevin Gitau and Moses Majengo, is a ground-breaking solution to tackle air pollution and improve the quality of urban atmospheres. The device keeps a close watch on the air quality index, sending immediate alerts to inform communities and industries about pollution levels in real-time.
The innovation won an award at the first-ever Inter-University Power Learn Project Hackathon, which aims to cultivate entrepreneurial and technological skills among college students.
The event, which took place at Zetech University’s Thika Road Campus, drew more than 300 participants from different Kenyan institutions.
Speaking after bagging the award, Gitau expressed his commitment to promoting healthier living environments by taking proactive measures to address air pollution.
“The country is moving towards establishing smart cities and some are already underway including Konza and Tatu City. Our idea is to minimize air pollution from industries located within such setups so as to make the environment safe and healthy.” He said.
Zetech University Vice Chancellor Prof Njenga Munene stated that the hackathon sparked innovation among students at Zetech University, leading them to create advanced technological solutions for global sustainability issues.
“We are dedicated to fostering technological advancements and entrepreneurial skills among our students through initiatives like hosting events and providing resources such as the Zetech University Innovation (iZet) Hub.
“The triumph of Kevin Gitau and Moses Majengo in the AirSafi project is a testament to our university’s commitment to nurturing innovation for a sustainable tomorrow. The Power Hackathon showcases the transformative power of innovation and collaboration in pushing the boundaries of technological possibilities for sustainable development goals.” Said Prof Munene.
He urged universities to provide support for young innovators, entrepreneurs, and creatives in bringing their products to the market. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with the industry to help these budding developers move their ideas forward, and highlighted the significant role that universities can play in bridging academia and industry to promote sustainable innovations.
The event showcased the exceptional capacity of young innovators to develop meaningful solutions for urgent worldwide challenges, with several competitions expected to be held multiple times throughout the year.
The competition featured three main categories: innovative social platforms for inclusive communication, sustainable solutions for smart cities, and creative tools for advancing learning. Other winning projects included SheSafe, a tool to prevent financial fraud, and the Smart Sewerage Monitoring Project, which improves waste management effectiveness.
By Hellen Lunalo
