Bradford Nyangiri and Felix Makori, students from Menyenya Secondary School in Nyamira County, have achieved a remarkable victory at the 7th Annual Young Scientists Kenya [YSK] National Science and Technology Exhibition. Competing against 1,780 entries. Their innovative project, the “Sunken Cooking Jacket,” emerged as the overall winner in the Chemical, Physical, and Mathematical Sciences category, specifically within the Energy and Transport sector.
The Sunken Cooking Jacket is a cutting-edge, multi-functional cooking stove designed for optimal efficiency. It features three cooking points powered by a single fire source and includes a fixed copper coil that heats water simultaneously while cooking. “It minimizes energy waste by insulating the cooking vessels, ensuring more energy is used for cooking rather than being lost.” Explained Bradford Nyangiri.
The second-place honor went to Aymaan Khandwalla and Marithiya Issa from Memon Academy High School in Mombasa County. Their project, an Eco Super Absorbent Biopolymer. This material excels in water absorption and retention, making it highly effective for use in products like diapers and sanitary napkins. “When used in soil, it enhances water retention, allowing crops to survive under low rainfall, drought, and soil degradation conditions,” said Aymaan Khandwalla, highlighting the project’s potential impact on combating global warming and climate change.
The Selection Process
The judging process for this year’s exhibition was rigorous, with 129 judges evaluating the numerous submissions. Professor Anne Muigai of the Kenya Defense Forces, Chief Judge of the awards, noted that the process culminated in selecting 38 abstracts for final consideration.
The overall winners received a variety of prizes. They included a scholarship for a STEM course at Strathmore University, an all-expenses-paid trip to Ireland to attend the Irish BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, KES 100,000 in cash, and a mobile phone from Safaricom. The runners-up were awarded KES 80,000 in cash, a mobile phone, and the Year Runner-Up Trophy.
Since 2017, YSK has played a pivotal role in preparing young Kenyans for the digital age. It has provided a space to engage them in technological innovation. “Technology is now a fundamental part of our lives, reshaping how we communicate, work, learn, and address challenges. By encouraging high school students to think creatively and innovatively. We are not only equipping them with crucial skills but also fostering a generation of thinkers and problem-solvers who can drive positive change.” Said Dr. Eng. Victor Mwongera, YSK National Director.
Creativity and Technical Prowess
This year’s exhibition showcased the creativity and technical prowess of high school students from all 47 counties in Kenya. They highlighted their significant contributions to STEM. “It is inspiring to see students identify challenges in their communities and develop innovative solutions. We are proud to support these students on their collaboration and innovation journey,” said Evelyn Maris, Deputy Ambassador of Ireland.
Ben Roberts, Chairperson of the YSK Board, expressed his admiration for the continual advancements made by students each year, emphasizing the vast potential of Kenya’s youth in STEM.
Meanwhile, Dr. Isaac Batayo from the Teachers Service Commission praised the initiative for its role in enhancing experiential learning and supporting the Competency-Based Curriculum [CBC]. “YSK has enabled our learners to achieve a level of permanence in their education by developing their own projects.” Stated Dr. Batayo.
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