Bradford Nyangiri and Felix Makori from Menyenya Secondary School in Nyamira County have emerged as the overall winners of the 2024 Young Scientists Kenya (YSK) National Science and Technology Exhibition. Their innovative project, the “Sunken Cooking Jacket,” excelled among 1,780 submissions, securing the top position in the Chemical, Physical, and Mathematical Sciences category, specifically within the Energy and Transport sector.
The “Sunken Cooking Jacket” is a groundbreaking multi-functional cooking stove that enhances efficiency and versatility. It features three cooking points powered by a single fire source and includes a fixed copper coil to simultaneously heat water while cooking. This design significantly reduces energy waste by insulating cooking vessels, ensuring that more energy is directed towards cooking rather than being lost.
The second-place winners, Aymaan Khandwalla and Marithiya Issa from Memon Academy High School in Mombasa County, were recognized for their project, the “Eco Super Absorbent Biopolymer.” This material excels in water absorption and retention, making it ideal for applications such as diapers and sanitary napkins. When integrated into soil, it improves water retention, helping crops survive under conditions of drought and soil degradation, which is crucial in combating the effects of climate change.
The YSK Awards recognized the overall winners with a range of prizes, including a scholarship at Strathmore University for a STEM course, an all-expenses-paid trip to Ireland for 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.
Dr. Eng. Victor Mwongera, YSK National Director, emphasized the importance of engaging students with technology to prepare them for the digital age. He highlighted how YSK fosters creativity and innovation, equipping students with essential skills for the future and nurturing problem-solvers who can drive societal change.
This year’s exhibition, which celebrated innovations from high school students across all 47 Kenyan counties, underscores the significant contributions of young people to STEM. As Evelyn Maris, Deputy Ambassador of Ireland, noted, it is inspiring to see students developing solutions to community challenges. The support from partners like Safaricom and the Irish Embassy continues to make STEM courses more attractive and accessible to Kenya’s youth.
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