Young Scientists Kenya 2024: Sunken Cooking Jacket Wins

Students of Menyenya Secondary School in Nyamira County, Bradford Nyangiri, and Felix Makori, with the project Cooking Jacket, have emerged as the overall winners of the seventh edition of the Annual Young Scientists Kenya [YSK] National Science and Technology Exhibition.

Young Scientists Kenya 2024 Awards

The project is an innovative stove, featuring three cooking points powered by a single fire source, equipped with a fixed copper coil that simultaneously heats water while cooking.

Also, it is a groundbreaking multi-functional cooking stove designed for maximum efficiency and versatility. 

The cooking vessels are insulated to minimize heat loss, ensuring that more energy is directed towards cooking rather than being wasted. 

Bradford Nyangira, said: “The design significantly reduces energy waste by insulating cooking vessels, ensuring more energy is directed toward cooking rather than being lost.”

Young Scientists Kenya Calls For More Support Towards STEM Courses

YSK was launched in 2017 and is at the forefront of preparing young people for the rapidly evolving digital age by engaging high school students in technological innovation.

Note, that there were 220 students from across Kenya including refugee camps who showcased innovations within the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields focusing on climate change.

This year’s exhibition attracted 1,780 projects that were shortlisted for the National Science and Technology Exhibition held at a hotel in Nairobi.

Organizers of the national expo called for more public and private sector funding for STEM courses and support for young talent.

Dr. Eng. Victor Mwongera, YSK National Director, explained, “Technology is now integral to our daily lives, transforming how we communicate, work, learn, and solve problems.” 

“By encouraging high school students to engage with technology creatively and innovatively, we not only equip them with essential skills for the future but also nurture a generation of thinkers and problem-solvers who can drive positive societal change.”

Young Scientists 2024 Runners Up Goes Home With A Range Of Prizes

Students from Mombasa County, Memon Academy High School’s Aymaan Khandwalla, and Marithiya Issa, with project Eco Super Absorbent Biopolymer, won the second-place winners.

Aymaan Khandwalla said, “Eco Super Absorbent Biopolymer, material project excels in water absorption and retention, making it ideal for applications such as baby and adult diapers, as well as sanitary napkins,” 

“When integrated into the soil, it improves water retention, enabling crops to survive under conditions of low rainfall, drought, and soil degradation. This innovation is poised to play a critical role in addressing the challenges posed by global warming and climate change.”

Also Read: PIA Winners in Kenya Receive Awards in Statehouse

Out of the 1,780 projects that were shortlisted for the National Science and Technology Exhibition, only 38 projects were accepted.

The overall winners received a range of prizes. These include:

• A scholarship at Strathmore University for a STEM course, 
• An all-expenses-paid trip to Ireland to attend the Irish BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition sponsored by the Irish Embassy
• Sh100,000 in cash and a mobile phone courtesy of Safaricom

The YSK Awards runners-up were awarded Sh80,000 in cash, a mobile phone, and the Year Runner-Up Trophy. 

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