Four students from Kanga School in Migori have qualified to represent the country in the US creative competition.

Their selection came after the National Science Congress Competition at Kabianga University under the startup Afrika innovations foundation, where the students emerged top in their creation and were ranked the best.

The students designed a machine that can detect the presence of fire and oil leakages and at the same time make a notification via short message on mobile phone to fire department.

It is a journey that has taken them six months to design this machine, which they believe if considered, could help reduce the fire tragedies that have been witnessed in various schools countrywide.Dexel Yell, one of the students, explains that the machine has the ability to detect smoke while at the same time notifying the phone linked to it via SMS of the impending danger.

“It has the ability to recognise the presence of smoke and then send an alert via message to the fire department and anybody in charge of the building.  We believe this can reduce further harm”, Yell said.

Ericsson Otieno, another student, says the journey was not a smooth one as they lacked essential material equipment to make the best out of their idea.

“On our journey, we have encountered various challenges. We lacked the necessary equipment to further improve our creativity,” Otieno explained. “The device is designed to be installed in any building ranging from schools, hospitals and even private homes as it is portable,” added Otieno.

Benard Odira, a teacher at Kanga School, appealed to the government to identify and support innovations, especially among students who he believes have different abilities apart from bookwork.

Different abilities

“There is a need for the government and the Ministry of Education to identify students who have different abilities and talents and offer them support. We are moving in a world where we cannot survive without innovations,” Odira said.

“We cannot survive without the Stem subjects like science, mathematics, engineering and technology. This is where the world is moving towards,” added Odira.

Kanga Chief Principal Reuben Kodiango noted that it is upon the stakeholders to pick up the innovation and develop it further.

This, he explains, is owing to the fact that there have been cases of fire incidents in most learning institutions.

“We have had several fire cases in our learning institutions and if these innovations can be developed further, it will really help to curb such incidents. The government should consider it for further packaging and implementation,” he said.