A Volunteer at the Drilling Unit in the Department of Water Services, Loroo Emmanuel Esekon, has won Sh 500,000 at the finals of the just concluded Presidential Innovation Challenge Award.
The cash win is the second Award after Esekon received a trophy at the Devolution Heros Competition held in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County in August 2023.
The Innovator gained global recognition for integrating climate-smart techniques in the making of a new model Turkana traditional stool using recycled waste metallic materials.
This among others has motivated his involvement in mentoring the youth to enroll in vocational skills training for future transformation.
The cash was issued through a cheque at the Kenya Innovation Week at the Edge Convention Centre in Nairobi.
Besides, Esekon is a renowned TVET Ambassador with plans to participate in regional and international innovation challenges.
The Presidential Innovation Award (PIA) is a module of the Talanta Hela program run by the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the Arts and Sports that intends to develop the entrepreneurial capacity of innovators across the country.
It recognizes and awards the innovative work of top innovators in the country within the national priority areas. This will encourage and support young people who are using their innovativeness, creativity, and problem-solving skills to make a positive impact on society while becoming economically active.
The goal of the Presidential Innovation Award is to promote innovation as a driver for socio-economic development through fostering entrepreneurial mindsets and commercialization capabilities of Kenyan innovators.
By Peter Gitonga
