Two Kenyans are among four finalists for this year’s £50,000 (Ksh.8.3 million) Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.
Esther Kimani and Kevin Maina were picked from a shortlist of 16 innovators who have created sustainable and scalable engineering solutions for the continent.
Kimani has created an early crop pest and disease detection device. Her solar-powered tool uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning-enabled cameras to swiftly detect and identify agricultural pests and diseases.
The product provides real-time alerts within five seconds of an infestation, offering tailored intervention suggestions, and also alerts government agricultural officers to the presence of diseases or pests.
She says the device, which leases for less than Ksh.400, reduces crop losses for smallholder farmers by up to 30 per cent while increasing yields by up to 40 per cent.
Maina on the other hand has created Eco Tiles, an environmentally friendly roofing material made from recycled plastic which is stronger and lighter than clay or concrete tiles.
His innovation addresses plastic pollution while also bringing building costs down.
The duo will be competing against Rory Assandey of Côte d’Ivoire, who has created an AI chatbot connecting communities to vital health information, advice, and services; and Ugandan Martin Tumusiime, whose mobile app connects homes and businesses to independent agents for efficient on-demand rubbish collection and disposal.
Billed as the continent’s largest engineering prize, the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation is issued annually by the Royal Academy of Engineering, which is the United Kingdom’s national academy of engineering.
The three runners-up will each receive £15,000 (Ksh.2.4 million), and a £5,000 (Ksh.830,000) prize.
The award ceremony will be held on June 13 in Nairobi.
(£1= Ksh.166.22)
