(Nakuru) – Students at Rift Valley Institute of Business Studies (RVIBS) have developed groundbreaking technologies that promise to revolutionize farming and home security, showcasing the potential of young Kenyan innovators.
Three RVIBS students have created a farming system that uses smart technology to remotely control essential greenhouse conditions. The system, powered by sensors and modules, ensures optimal conditions for plant growth by managing watering, temperature, lighting, humidity, air quality, and soil moisture. The innovation, unveiled at the recent RVIBS Tech Expo, was developed by Ms. Mercy Wanjiru, Mr. Charles Munyora, and Ms. Gladys Daisi.
According to Ms. Wanjiru, the system offers farmers the ability to automate and fine-tune greenhouse conditions through a user-friendly smartphone app or SMS. The app can operate in automatic mode, where conditions adjust themselves, or manual mode, allowing farmers to set specific parameters such as temperature or soil moisture. Notifications keep farmers updated on their crops’ status.
Mr. Munyora elaborates that the system includes rain sensors to halt irrigation during rainfall, saving water. It also regulates air quality, triggers ventilation when temperatures rise, and activates heating systems during cold spells. The system’s ability to monitor and adapt greenhouse conditions remotely could significantly reduce labor costs, conserve water, and increase productivity.
This innovation aims to modernize agriculture, attract younger generations to farming, and reduce the dependence on unpredictable natural conditions. Ms. Wanjiru adds that the system also provides smart recommendations for improving farm yields through data analysis.
At the same expo, students Ms. Susan Muthami and Mr. Martin Kyalo presented a cutting-edge home security system leveraging GSM technology. Their system alerts homeowners about intrusions, gas leaks, and fires via notifications sent to their mobile devices or laptops. Equipped with motion detectors, smoke sensors, and a microcontroller, the system adds layers of safety, including triggering security lights, air conditioners, and heating systems based on environmental conditions.
Mr. Kyalo explains that the system includes a unique feature to open car garages or unlock doors using pre-programmed data or card-swiping technology. Pilot projects in three homes have confirmed its effectiveness, and the team plans to market the innovation next year.
These technological advancements are part of the broader SKIES (Strengthening Kenya’s Innovation Ecosystem) initiative, a Sh6.5 billion ($50 million) World Bank-funded program. SKIES is implemented by Kenya’s Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry to support innovation hubs, universities, and technical training institutes. RVIBS Director Mr. Kimemia Gitau noted that while 2,200 students applied for the SKIES scholarships, only 90 slots were granted to RVIBS.
Mr. Gitau emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships to nurture young innovators. He expressed hope that increased investment in science, technology, and innovation would help Kenya break the cycle of poverty and create a sustainable future.
Ms. Linet Marita, a SKIES coordinator, highlighted that the program provides substantial performance-based grants to innovation hubs, helping bridge Kenya’s skills gap and empowering youth to become job creators rather than seekers.
Key Features of the Innovations
| Innovation | Key Features | Developers |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Farming System | Automates irrigation, controls greenhouse conditions via app/SMS, integrates rain sensors and smart data analysis | Ms. Wanjiru, Mr. Munyora, Ms. Daisi |
| Home Security System | Alerts intrusions, gas leaks, fires via GSM notifications; controls doors, garages, and room temperature | Ms. Muthami, Mr. Kyalo |
Both teams have demonstrated that with the right support, young Kenyans can create solutions that address critical challenges in agriculture and security.