Kenyan students unveil innovative technology at UNEA 4 Sustainable Innovation Expo

A group of Kenyan students who have designed an aquaponics system are among the exhibitors at this year's UN Environment expo.

The system recirculates water and ensures maximum production of fish in small spaces.

The exhibition begun yesterday at the fourth UN Environment Assembly (UNEA 4) conference that is underway in Nairobi.

The expo will showcase 42 technologies and innovative solutions from around the world. This year’s event focuses on eco-innovation and sustainable finance.

The expo is UNEA's solution-based platform for engaging innovators using exhibitions that reveal the latest technologies, panel discussions and networking opportunities.

It is meant to find solutions for today’s problems by embracing a “forward-thinking culture that fosters ingenuity.”

“Some of the most important solutions to the climate crisis and to biodiversity loss and to so many other challenges will come from innovation,” said Dr Joyce Msuya, acting executive director of UN Environment during the expo's launch.

She said innovation must work for all, adding that coming up with creative ideas was not the preserve of a few.

“Every day we are seeing more promising examples of positive action: from emissions-free tuk tuks to cutting-edge alternatives to single-use plastic as well as new climate-smart ways of managing our forests and farmlands,” Dr Msuya said.

She said sustainable businesses represented a trillion-dollar opportunity that could bring value to people and the environment.