As the world marked the International Day of Education, 27-year-old Daniel Nderitu underscored the significance of polytechnics, technical vocational education training institutes (TVETS) and universities embracing innovation and research as pivotal pillars for growth and competitiveness in the global arena.
Nderitu affirms that it is not merely about obtaining academic documents but about equipping Kenyan learners with the practical skills and knowledge required in today’s dynamic industries by fostering an environment of academic excellence, innovation, and research prowess.
Thus, four years ago, it did not sit well with Nderitu that as cities grow, tonnes of garbage are being generated daily. Most urban authorities across the country are yet to wiggle out of the waste management challenges.
The Kenya Youth Employment Program (KYEOP) beneficiary embarked on a journey of doing something about this sorry state of affairs and invented a prototype of an intelligent solar-powered bin that promises to solve the garbage menace and make this burden a thing of the past.
For instance, according to the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) Nairobi, Kisumu, Thika, Nakuru, Mombasa, and Eldoret towns cumulatively generate an estimated 6,000 tonnes of waste daily, however, only 3,962 tonnes are collected while over 2,000 tonnes remain uncollected.
Nderitu says he is a witness of how city dwellers are irresponsible in handling waste, adding it prompted him to start looking for ways to conserve the environment and hygienically dispose of waste.
Growing up, Nderitu’s curiosity got him into trouble time and again. He would dismantle electric appliances and build new stuff with everyday objects.
And when he joined the school, another passion grew— his love for books. He was deeply fascinated by the work of Elon Musk, Nikola Tesla, Peter Thiel, and Mark Kelly.
To Nderitu the solution to the garbage menace is a solar-powered segregated waste bin that is integrated with sensors that exploit the internet and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The youthful innovator is also working on a prototype of a smart backpack that has an advantage as it has an audiovisual capability aspect that aids disabled people. The backpack communicates with the deaf through vibration prompts on mobile phones and with the blind on proximity sensors that prompt a voice directive to warn the users against moving objects behind them such as vehicles and motorbikes.
In addition, the device comes with a CCTV camera to promote security and has keypads that enable the user to key in any digits as well as a power switch.
The innovator affirms that his innovations are akin to killing two birds with one stone – recycling electronic waste to keep the environment safe and promoting safe and hygienic disposal of waste.
“I have used discarded electronic parts in these two innovations. As we work together to find and support solutions, it’s important to understand how recycling electronic waste, or e-waste plays a crucial role in reducing plastic pollution and protecting the environment. E-waste plastics, one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally, often contain toxic substances such as heavy metals and brominated flame retardants,” he explains.
Nderitu indicates that he designed the solar-powered smart backpack with the security of the user in mind as it gives them a rear view and has inbuilt automatic recording capabilities that are stored in a retrieval system.
“Overall, it is very simple to use and as if that is not enough, it has an inbuilt Wi-Fi that provides free internet access to users, especially in this digital age where we have online work and online schools,” explains the innovator.
He adds “When I found out that I can create solutions for our societal problems I decided to stick to innovation and be a full-time innovator,” says Nderitu, who is currently based at Bahati Trading Centre.
The innovator explains that the smart bin device that is designed in a rectangular shape is targeted for county government, schools, public parks, green spaces, airports, and bus and railway stations.
He further lists shopping malls, hospitals, and all the places that have public interactions as areas where his invention can offer revolutionary waste disposal services.
The main two features of the smart bin are the automatic sensor, which opens the trash can when it senses motion, and an overload feature that detects when the trash bag is full. The sensor using infrared technology detects movement and approaching objects from a distance of up to 35cm and pops the lid up automatically.
Without further movement, the lid closes automatically after a few seconds. A flashing red LED indicates the automatic bin lid is active and ready for use, should you need the lid open for a longer period you can also override the sensor using the toggle switch at the back of the lid to operate it manually, allowing the lid to stay permanently open for as long as is needed.
The smart bin is powered by 4-volt lithium batteries but should these run out, the lid can also be used manually with the handle on top until they can be replaced. The strengthened inner hinged lid also allows for the bin to be positioned against a wall or cupboard, preventing scratches to the wall or damage to the bin lid.
Materials used on the outer coating allow the lid to be cleaned easily with a soft, damp cloth to remove any residue or fingerprints.
Mr Nderitu explains that the automatic sensor bin offers convenient and hygienic waste disposal, as compared to other types of waste bins as you do not have to touch any part of the bin directly to dispose of rubbish.
“This avoids any contamination and helps to keep your house more germ-free. Even with both hands full you can open the bin to dispose of waste easily with a simple gesture. This sensor bin helps you stay germ-free,” he adds.
“I have encountered challenges in building my prototype as funding is essential for any new disruptive startup to thrive,” he says.
He says that the greatest challenge was getting intellectual property rights and building his prototype.
Nderitu, adds that he has had to ignore critics who try to discourage him countless times.
He describes his smart backpack innovation as a wearable digital assistant designed to make life easier.
It is also equipped with a microphone, speaker, network interface, processor, and storage.
“The backpack can identify objects in your environment, perform tasks based on the context, access cloud information, and even interact with other devices. First, it receives a command from you. Then, it senses the surrounding environment through its various sensors.
He believes that digital assistants are becoming more versatile due to advancements in computing.
By Jane Ngugi and Dennis Rasto
