Samuel Kairu and Paul Kariuki alongside Dr. J. Nderitu and Peter Ndegwa were awarded Ksh 200,000 by the Ministry of Trade to come up with a ventilator prototype.
Paul and Samuel's story was first highlighted by Kenyans.co.ke after the two posted a video online about a ventilator that they had created.
The duo came up with a prototype in an impressive four days at their workshop in Thika after noticing a high demand for the equipment.
On Tuesday, April 7, the young innovators were awarded Ksh 200,000 to come up with a proper prototype after meeting Ministry of Trade Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina.
In an exclusive interview with Kenyans.co.ke Paul revealed details of the meeting, "We were awarded Ksh 200,000 to make another prototype."
"The money was delegated to KIRDI (Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute), they will hand us the money after receiving portions from KEBS and KIPI (Kenya Industrial Property Institute)," he informed.
Dr. Nderitu will work together with the team to ensure the final product is safe to use on patients who are in dire need of air but have difficulty in breathing.
The government handed the young innovators 10 days to come with a prototype that meets international standards.
Paul noted that Betty was impressed with the innovation, "She saw it and said she will support our idea and was happy that we are trying to help the government and Kenyans, she promised to guide us till the process is complete."
The team plans to use the Ksh 200,000 to buy equipment for the prototype and the necessary facilitation needed during the project.
A tweet by Ministry of Trade confirmed the meeting of the team with Betty Maina, "Four young innovators have won government admiration for coming up with a ventilator."
"Samuel Ndegwa, Dr. J. Nderitu, Paul Kariuki and Peter Ndegwa will now work under KIRDI to produce a prototype which meets global standards," it added.
A ventilator is a machine that provides mechanical ventilation by moving breathable air into and out of the lungs, to deliver breaths to a patient who is physically unable to breathe.
Paul has previously owned a cybercafe but has a history in repairing cars while Samuel is a software developer.
