Kenya’s innovations, scientist top in continental awards

By BONIFACE GIKANDI

Four innovations from Kenya that were submitted at the just-concluded All Africa Public Sector Innovations Awards were rated as best presentations.

South Africa emerged the overall winner during the continental exhibition that brought together 97 innovations from 54 countries.

A diesel-powered field kitchen (DEFTEC) innovated by Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) was ranked the best in the Enhanced and Sustainable Service Delivery category.

A disease-resistant coffee variety (Batian) by Coffee Research Foundation emerged second runner-up in the same category.

The exhibition that attracted innovations from the continent was held in Brazzaville in the Democratic Republic of Congo between July 22 and July 27.

Runner-up

Medical Innovations by scientist Peter Mwethera of Institute of Primate Research UniPron, Smugel and Smuscan, which was in public servants and their partners development and commercialisation of medical products category emerged first runner-up after a South African initiative.

The R Khan Hospital located in Kwa Zulu Natal in South Africa innovated a project on decongestion of a busy pharmacy, which was rated the best in the category.

Mwethera was rated among the high profile African scientists with medical background eyeing a Nobel Prize in the coming years.

Born in Murang’a County, Dr Mwethera has shown great determination towards research on treatment of the killer HIV/Aids.

Highly-rated

Innovations from Kenya were digital pen technology from Kabete veterinary laboratories, which was ranked third.

Dr Mwethera said Kenya was the only country with more than two innovations. “Kenya was rated highly for presenting four innovations in a single exhibition,” said Dr Mwethera.