Kenyan Scientist Wins Sh 8.1 Million for Engineering Innovation

Kenyan computer scientist Esther Kimani has been crowned the winner of the prestigious Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.

This honour is bestowed by the Royal Academy of Engineering, recognizing Kimani's innovative contributions to agricultural technology. Kimani's journey to triumph commenced at the University of Eldoret where her passion for technology and agriculture converged into a visionary endeavour that would ultimately revolutionize farming practices in Kenya. Her solar-powered innovation harnesses the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning therefore helping smallholder farmers address crop pests and diseases.

The Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation held its grand finale in Nairobi on June 13, 2024, after celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Kimani's innovation stood out among many entries that addressed various challenges across the African continent. Her device not only promises to reduce crop losses by up to an impressive 30% but also aims to boost yields by a staggering 40%. Kimani's creation utilizes advanced computer vision algorithms and machine learning techniques to detect and identify agricultural pests and diseases with an accuracy of 97%.

The device provides farmers with real-time alerts via SMS within a mere five seconds of detection. This prompt notification system allows for intervention, significantly mitigating the risk of widespread infestation. The technology's reach is extensive with a single camera unit monitoring up to three acres of land within a 600-meter radius. This scalability is crucial for Kenya's smallholder farmers who typically manage half to one-acre plots. Furthermore, Kimani's innovation is accessible and affordable with a leasing option of just Sh 386 (£3) per month.

The Royal Academy of Engineering's Africa Prize has consistently highlighted exceptional talents like Kimani, with past winners tackling pressing issues with inventive solutions. Notable examples include Norah Magero's VacciBox which is a solar-powered mobile fridge for transporting temperature-sensitive medicines and Brian Gitta's Matibabu, a reusable malaria detection device. Kimani now sets her sights on scaling her innovation to benefit one million Kenyan farmers over the next five years.