Nyamira County students shine at Young Scientists Kenya 2024 awards

The 7th Annual Young Scientists Kenya National Science and Technology Exhibition has once again showcased the incredible talent and innovation of Kenya’s young minds.

This year’s event, featuring 1,780 submissions from high school students across all 47 counties, highlighted the country’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Sunken Cooking Jacket: An Innovative Energy-Efficient Stove From Nyamira County Students

Bradford Nyangiri and Felix Makori from Menyenya Secondary School in Nyamira County emerged as the overall winners of this prestigious competition.

Their project, the “Sunken Cooking Jacket,” impressed judges in the Chemical, Physical, and Mathematical Sciences category, specifically in the Energy and Transport sector.

This innovative multi-functional cooking stove features three cooking points powered by a single fire source and includes a fixed copper coil for simultaneous water heating.

Bradford Nyangira explained, “The design significantly reduces energy waste by insulating cooking vessels, ensuring more energy is directed toward cooking rather than being lost.”

Eco-Friendly Solutions for Global Challenges

The second-place winners, Aymaan Khandwalla and Marithiya Issa from Memon Academy High School in Mombasa County, presented their “Eco Super Absorbent Biopolymer” project. This groundbreaking material excels in water absorption and retention, making it ideal for various applications.

Aymaan Khandwalla highlighted the project’s potential impact: “When integrated into soil, it improves water retention, enabling crops to survive under conditions of low rainfall, drought, and soil degradation. This innovation is poised to play a critical role in addressing the challenges posed by global warming and climate change.”

Rigorous Judging Process and Prestigious Awards

Professor Anne Muigai, Chief Judge of the YSK Awards 2024, described the intense judging process that involved 129 judges analyzing 1,780 submitted abstracts, ultimately selecting 38 finalists.

The overall winners received an impressive array of prizes, including a scholarship at Strathmore University for a STEM course, an all-expenses-paid trip to Ireland for the Irish BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, KES 100,000 in cash, and a mobile phone courtesy of Safaricom. Runners-up were awarded KES 80,000 in cash, a mobile phone, and the Year Runner-Up Trophy.

Fostering Innovation and Preparing for the Digital Age

Dr. Eng. Victor Mwongera, YSK National Director, emphasized the importance of engaging high school students in technological innovation: “Technology is now integral to our daily lives, transforming how we communicate, work, learn, and solve problems. By encouraging high school students to engage with technology creatively and innovatively, we not only equip them with essential skills for the future but also nurture a generation of thinkers and problem-solvers who can drive positive societal change.”

The Young Scientists Kenya National Science and Technology Exhibition has garnered support from various stakeholders, including the Irish Embassy and Safaricom PLC.

Evelyn Maris, Deputy Ambassador of Ireland, expressed pride in supporting students on their journey of collaboration and innovation, regardless of their background.

Fawzia Ali, Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom PLC, highlighted the company’s commitment to making STEM courses more attractive to young people, recognizing the transformative power of technology in solving societal challenges.

The Future of STEM in Kenya

Ben Roberts, Chairperson of the Young Scientists Kenya Board, marveled at the continuous stream of new discoveries made each year, underscoring the untapped potential of Kenya’s youth in STEM fields.

Professor Dickson Andala, CEO of the National Research Fund, emphasized the critical role of research and innovation in Kenya’s economic growth, stating, “Research fuels innovation, introducing better production techniques and more efficient processing methods that benefit the economy in the long run.”

As the Young Scientists Kenya National Science and Technology Exhibition continues to inspire and nurture young innovators, it is clear that the future of STEM in Kenya is bright. This annual event not only showcases the ingenuity of the country’s youth but also plays a crucial role in preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of the rapidly evolving digital age.