The University of Eldoret has once again affirmed its status as a leader in innovation and research by earning national recognition at the prestigious Presidential Innovation Award (PIA). Organized annually by the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), the award celebrates outstanding creativity and problem-solving skills among Kenyan innovators contributing to economic growth and job creation.
According to an official statement released on the university’s social media platforms, a student-led team known as The Dynamic Innovators was shortlisted in the University Category and invited to participate in the Presidential Innovation Challenge and Award Pitching Festival. The event took place from March 17 to 21, 2025, at the Morendat Institute of Oil and Gas in Naivasha, bringing together some of the brightest minds from institutions across the country.
Introducing Tishawing: A Game-Changer in Agriculture
At the heart of the University of Eldoret’s recognition was Tishawing, an innovative solution designed to tackle one of the most persistent challenges in cereal farming—bird pest invasions. The project was led by Kimberly Natalia Scott, a fourth-year student pursuing Applied Statistics with Computing. Her team’s ingenuity and technical expertise propelled their project into the national spotlight.
The Dynamic Innovators team comprised a group of highly skilled students from various disciplines, including:
- Margaret Kabura – Mechanical and Production Engineering
- Brian Yatich – Agriculture and Biotechnology
- Keith Etyang – Actuarial Science
- Cynthia Ng’eno – Economics
Their collective expertise played a crucial role in the project’s success, demonstrating how interdisciplinary collaboration can drive impactful innovations.
Institutional Support and Mentorship
The team’s journey was not one they walked alone. They received mentorship and guidance from Dr. Becky Aloo, the Head of Intellectual Property Management at the university. The institution provided essential resources, ensuring that the students had access to the right tools and knowledge to refine their project into a market-ready solution.
The recognition at the Presidential Innovation Award not only underscores the University of Eldoret’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation but also highlights the importance of supporting young minds in their quest to develop solutions for real-world problems.
A Bright Future for Innovation at University of Eldoret
This latest achievement cements the University of Eldoret’s reputation as a hub for groundbreaking research and innovation. By nurturing student-driven projects, the university is playing a pivotal role in shaping Kenya’s future innovators and industry leaders.
With continued institutional support and collaboration with industry stakeholders, Tishawing and other innovative solutions from the university could soon be making a tangible impact beyond the classroom, benefiting farmers, industries, and communities nationwide.
