The Fifth Edition of the Young Scientists Kenya National Science and Technology Exhibition on Wednesday, November 30, saw young innovators Diana Wambugha and Brian Mwaghogho feted with a trip to Ireland for a Tech and Innovation expo.
The Edition held at the Sarit Expo Centre, Westlands, saw the two innovators from Chala Secondary School, Taita Taveta, awarded the 2022 Young Scientists.
They were recognised for their innovation ‘Smart Fingerprint Ballot Box’, which seeks to help solve the issue of stray ballots during the voting and election process.
The machine is designed to detect the colour of the ballot paper and direct it to the correct ballot box.
Also, the machine can only be opened by the presiding officer biometrically using fingerprints.
"My colleague and I are really happy about this win. It took us a lot of energy, commitment and research to come up with this project that seeks to solve the issue of stray ballot papers," Mwaghogho revealed.
Apart from their trip to Ireland, the two received a cash prize of Ksh50,000 each.
Bravin Wetsenga Emala and Isaac Abuti of Kamusinga High School, Bungoma, claimed the overall runners-up position.
With their innovation, Smart and Modernized Solar Greenhouse, the duo received a cash prize of Ksh40,000 each.
Addressing the exhibition, Kevit Desai the Principal Secretary of the State Department of East African Community (EAC) stated that the young scientists initiative needed to be sustained countrywide.
“The hallmark of the Young Scientists stands on creativity and innovativeness, it is important to encourage such traits and ensure that this is countrywide, in every town and village, thus it is important to encourage them in this way, “ he asserted.
The Edition themed ’Using STEM to Redefine our Future’, attracted 80, project finalists, from 71 Secondary Schools across 37 counties.
