Innovative Chuka University students shine during Meru University innovation week
By Christine Ngitori
Chuka University continues to make waves in the realm of innovation and academic excellence, as a delegation from the university showcased an impressive array of groundbreaking products during Meru University of Science and Technology’s recently concluded Research and Innovation Week.
The event, held from September 23rd to 25th, 2024, brought together budding innovators, researchers, and thought leaders from various institutions, creating a vibrant hub for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Among the standout exhibits from Chuka University were three remarkable projects that not only highlight the ingenuity of its students but also address pressing societal issues in Kenya.
Revamping ugali for enhanced nutrition
One of the highlights was a project by Food Science student Winnie Kawira, who has engineered an enriched version of ugali-a staple food in Kenya.
Recognizing the carbohydrate-heavy nature of traditional ugali and its lack of essential nutrients, Kawira developed a method to enhance its nutritional profile.
By incorporating milk powder for added calcium and phosphorus, along with silver fish for protein content, her enriched ugali aims to provide a more balanced meal for families across the nation.
Kawira’s innovative dish garnered significant attention at the exhibition, with attendees expressing keen interest in its potential to improve health outcomes in Kenya.
“This research could change the way we think about staple foods and nutrition in our communities,” Kawira remarked about her work.
A leap in robotics: the diy robotic arm
In another inspiring display of creativity, a team of engineering students—Ezra Masinde, Siata Edward Ronex, and Mailu Dennis Maneno—unveiled a cost-effective DIY robotic arm designed to enhance human-robot interaction.
Constructed from readily available components and controlled via Bluetooth technology, this 6-degree-of-freedom robotic arm exemplifies accessibility in robotics.
“Our goal was to demystify robotics and make it approachable for everyone—from DIY hobbyists to students,” said Masinde during the presentation.
The innovation holds significant promise in various sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, and education, heralding a more intuitive way for humans to collaborate with machines.
Revolutionizing menstrual health with biodegradable pads
Perhaps the most eye-catching project came from Pamela Triza Apuko, who is on a mission to transform menstrual health sustainability through innovative biodegradable sanitary pads made from banana fiber.
Apuko’s invention addresses the dual challenges of providing affordable sanitary products while mitigating the environmental impacts of traditional, non-biodegradable pads.
“This is just the beginning. I want this product to be available to girls and women everywhere, especially in marginalized communities,” Apuko shared at the exhibition.
Her vision focuses on scaling up production to ensure accessibility, turning a research idea into a marketable product that promises to make a difference in both health and environmental sectors.
Panel Discussion on Socio-Economic Empowerment
Adding to the prominence of Chuka University at the event, Dr. Immaculate Mutali participated in a key panel discussion focusing on socio-economic empowerment and climate change.
