The Royal Academy of Engineering has announced the finalists for the 2024 Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, with two Kenyans among the top four innovators selected. These trailblazers have developed groundbreaking solutions ranging from eco-friendly construction materials to AI-powered tools for healthcare and farming.
This year's finalists, hailing from Kenya, Côte d'Ivoire, and Uganda, were chosen from an initial shortlist of 16 and will compete for the £50,000 (approximately Ksh8.5 million) grand prize in a ceremony in Nairobi on June 13.
Esther Kimani from Kenya has been recognized for her Early Crop Pest and Disease Detection Device. This solar-powered innovation uses AI and machine learning-enabled cameras to identify agricultural pests and diseases in real time, providing immediate alerts and tailored intervention suggestions. By reducing crop losses by up to 30 per cent and increasing yields by as much as 40 per cent, Kimani’s device offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, leasing at just $3 per month.
Fellow Kenyan innovator Kevin Maina has developed Eco Tiles, a sustainable roofing material made from recycled plastic. These tiles are both stronger and lighter than traditional clay or concrete options, addressing the dual challenges of plastic pollution and high building costs. Maina's team collaborates with 500 informal waste collectors to source plastics, which are processed using a custom-made extrusion machine. This method reduces carbon emissions by eliminating energy-intensive kiln burning. To date, half a million Eco Tiles have been produced, contributing to the construction of 348 houses.
Since its inception in 2014, the Africa Prize has supported nearly 150 entrepreneurs from 23 African countries, generating over 28,000 jobs and benefitting more than 10 million people. In celebration of its tenth anniversary, the prize money for this year’s winner has been doubled to £50,000. The three runners-up will each receive £15,000 (approximately Ksh2.5 million), and an additional £5,000 (approximately Ksh846,926) 'One to Watch' prize will be awarded to a standout business from the initial shortlist.
Registration for the final event is now open, promising a showcase of the continent’s brightest engineering talents.