Melisa Wandiga, a Grade 9 student, invented a unique technology to help the National Transport and Safety Authority arrest drunk motorists.
Speaking during the Kenya Science and Engineering Fair on Wednesday, April 26, Wandiga explained that the invention relies on a special technology that connects the engine to a helmet worn by motorists.
It is designed to detect if a motorist is drunk and turns off the engine automatically, forcing the motorist to stop the journey.
Additionally, if the motorist does not wear the helmet before turning on the engine, the technology detects and turns off the bike immediately.
Wandiga explained that the technology also detects if the helmet is removed when the motorcycle is in motion. Its response would be slowing the motorbike down before turning off the engine.
“When the motorists do not wear the helmet, the engine will go off. If the motorist is also drunk, the engine will shut down.
“So it senses if the person has the helmet on, and the engine starts automatically. If the tyres slow down, you are either not wearing the helmet or intoxicated,” Wandiga explained.
According to Wandiga and her Grade 10 partner, the technology was developed as an intervention to increase accidents in the country and would help NTSA in its plan to reduce road fatalities.
The two, from Kisumu Senior Academy, presented the invention at the Kenya Science and Engineering Fair in Kisumu County, emerging first in the competition.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, in April 2023, introduced new measures to motorists to prevent road carnages, including a mandatory driving test for commercial drivers before renewing their licences.
Drivers would also be required to undergo physical fitness tests, including an eye and hearing test, by a qualified medical practitioner beginning July 1, 2023.
According to the latest report by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) released on Monday, April 3, 1,070 people lost their lives in the first three months of 2023.
The number of passenger deaths was attributed to recklessness, from speeding vehicles, crossing at undesignated places and distracted driving to crossing the roads at undesignated areas.
