Geoffery Otieno, 28, the firstborn son of two farmers in Rabongo village, Siaya County, was lauded for his innovative skills after he built a helicopter with scrap metal.
His interest was piqued at an early age. According to his mother, Otieno used to foresee making the helicopter and was persistent despite the continued pessimism and scepticism from critics.
With no prior knowledge of aeronautical engineering, the self-taught innovator began collecting the helicopter parts in 2019 and assembled them in early 2022.
"In class five he used to tell me he will make an airplane, he would also tell his siblings that one day he will carry them in his plane one day," his mother stated.
"His ideas root in his mind because we have not taken him to school,” his father added.
Otieno, like every other budding innovator, grappled with financial constraints and assembling the right parts.
"This is not something you create in a day, it takes days, months, or even years. In our region, to see a helicopter is a miracle.
"I have only seen a helicopter in pictures and videos on my phone, I have not come close enough to one to touch it," Otieno stated.
He decorated his white helicopter was decorated with strips of colours from the Kenyan flag, while the propellors had blue and white stripes. It also had a locally assembled petrol-powered engine.
The innovator stated if allowed to study aeronautical engineering or other relevant courses, he would be able to perfect his innovation that is yet to set soar to the sky.
"If I would be given a chance to approach an engineer and get his help, I would be flying right now," Otieno pleaded.
Residents in the area were amazed by the ingenuity of the creation and called upon to government to boost such innovations.
"Our friend has great untapped potential, that could be harnessed by the county and the national government to encourage others and also enable him to earn money," stated one of the residents.
