After his house was broken into several times, Samuel Githui from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) devised a foolproof device to stop break-ins for both cars and homeowners in the country.
In an interview with Kenyans.co.ke, Githui disclosed that the duo also developed a Ksh5,000 car alarm system.
Alongside his brother Michael Machina, a graduate from the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), the duo also invented a Ksh10,000 alarm system that has proved effective to shop owners as well as homeowners
The Economics graduate detailed how the device works to reduce robbing incidences adding that it took a lot of work to ensure the device works effectively.
"We had the idea in 2020 but with the pandemic, it was difficult to launch it. We, however, launched it in June 2022 and we have sold about 40 devices countrywide. With the car alarm system, we only launched in January but at least 20 people are using it," he stated.
The Ksh5,000 car alarm system is unique from those in the market according to the innovators.
Githui explained that through the press of a button, the phone sends an alert to the alarm and the system cuts off the fuel supply to the car causing it to stop suddenly.
"From our research, we realised that people are used to the noise of normal alarm systems. So with our innovation, the fuel supply is cut off," he added.
He noted that the system is installed in the vehicle's dashboard and is connected to the doors. Just like the house alarm system, you have to alert it when getting in and out.
"There are cases of hijacking and the system may not recognise you are not in control. In such scenarios, you send an alert to the system through your phone which consequently ensures the car does not move," he detailed.
Githui added that he currently works with a team of four inclusive of his brother who is in charge of product development, Ambrose Mwangi in charge of sales and marketing while Evans Lewa is tasked with logistics.
However, Githui noted that getting capital and sourcing raw materials have been a challenge for them but with the right channels, they still acquired the materials.
"We wanted it to be affordable and user-friendly so that even those with 'kabambe' can use it. All you have to do is load the device with airtime and since you will not be conversing with it, the airtime can last longer," he explained.
According to Githui, while using the home alarm system device, you have to input a sim card that will be synchronised with your phone. You have to alert the device when you leave the house as well as when you come back - to avoid setting it off.
"If someone tries to get into your house without alerting the device, it triggers an alarm and a loud siren that is loud enough to damage the ears. An SMS is also sent to your phone. The device also calls you several times to alert you," he told Kenyans.co.ke.
He explained that the owner of the house can add up to four people into the system for them to gain easy access to the house.
On the concern that the siren may go off for a long time, Githui noted that the homeowner has the option of allowing others in the system to turn it off.
Despite that the device comes with batteries, users are urged to leave it plugged in even though it can work for three days even without direct power.
The house alarm system goes by the name Daqa (Swahili for apprehend) while the car alarm system is Moty (slang for car) according to the innovators.
Furthermore, devices are available in several online stores and the team offers free installation as well as a one-year warranty to all their clients.
