NAIROBI, Kenya- In an inspiring show of innovation and talent, Bradford Nyangiri and Felix Makori from Menyenya Secondary School in Nyamira County have emerged as the overall winners of the 2024 Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) National Science and Technology Exhibition.
Their project, the “Sunken Cooking Jacket,” outshined a competitive field of 1,780 submissions, earning them top honors in the Energy and Transport sector under the Chemical, Physical, and Mathematical Sciences category.
The “Sunken Cooking Jacket” is not your average stove. This multi-functional cooking solution is designed for maximum efficiency and versatility, making it a standout innovation.
Equipped with three cooking points powered by a single fire source, the stove also features a fixed copper coil that heats water simultaneously while cooking.
“Our design significantly reduces energy waste by insulating cooking vessels, ensuring more energy is directed toward cooking rather than being lost,” explained Bradford Nyangiri.
This innovation has the potential to revolutionize energy use in kitchens, especially in regions where fuel efficiency is critical.
While Nyangiri and Makori took the top prize, the second-place winners from Memon Academy High School in Mombasa County—Aymaan Khandwalla and Marithiya Issa—were also recognized for their project, the “Eco Super Absorbent Biopolymer.”
This biopolymer excels in water absorption and retention, making it ideal for use in products like diapers and sanitary napkins.
Moreover, when integrated into soil, it enhances water retention, allowing crops to thrive even under low rainfall and drought conditions.
“This innovation is poised to play a critical role in addressing the challenges posed by global warming and climate change,” said Aymaan Khandwalla, highlighting the project’s potential impact.
The YSK 2024 competition was no small feat. With 1,780 abstracts submitted, the judging process was intense, involving 129 judges and culminating in 38 finalists.
The overall winners received a host of prizes, including a scholarship at Strathmore University for a STEM course, KES 100,000 in cash, and a mobile phone courtesy of Safaricom.
Additionally, they earned an all-expenses-paid trip to Ireland to attend the Irish BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, sponsored by the Irish Embassy.
Launched in 2017, YSK has been instrumental in preparing young Kenyans for the digital age by engaging them in technological innovation. “Technology is now integral to our daily lives, transforming how we communicate, work, learn, and solve problems,” stated Dr. Eng. Victor Mwongera, YSK National Director.
This year’s exhibition celebrated the ingenuity of students from all 47 counties in Kenya, underscoring their contributions to STEM.
“It is inspiring to see students identifying challenges within their communities and developing innovative solutions to address them,” said Evelyn Maris, Deputy Ambassador of Ireland.
As Kenya continues to harness the potential of its youth, the YSK competition remains a beacon of hope for the future, nurturing the next generation of thinkers and problem-solvers who can drive positive societal change.
