MMUST Student Innovators Win Silver Medal for AI-Powered Farm IQ System
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology’s (MMUST) student innovators have won a silver medal for their innovation titled ‘Farm IQ: AI-Driven Disease and Pest Detection with Yield Prediction in Crops’. This was during the 2025 Africa Division Contest of the China International College Students’ Innovation Competition, which was held on 24th to 25th July, 2025, at the Argyle Grand Hotel Nairobi Airport. The team, comprising of Mr. Larry Adhola Okumu (Team Lead), Ms. Noldah Adhiambo (Project Marketing Lead), and Mr. Dennis Bittok (Prototyping Lead), are now qualified to proceed to the global stage of the competition, which will take place in China later this year.
Speaking during an interview, one of the student’s mentors, Eng. Dr. Cedric Okinda revealed that the Farm IQ project stood out for its practical application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to real-world agricultural challenges affecting millions of smallholder farmers in Africa.
“Farm IQ is an AI-powered solution that enables farmers to detect crop diseases and pests early, while also providing yield predictions. The system integrates real-time image analysis and data-driven forecasting to help reduce crop losses and improve planning. Our innovation is especially designed for use in rural areas with limited access to agronomists, empowering farmers with affordable and accessible technology,” said Dr. Okinda, noting how encouraging it is to see efforts in research and innovation produce globally competitive outcomes.
Ms. Noldah Adhiambo, the Project Marketing Lead at the event.
The students were also mentored and supported by a team from the Open and Distance Learning (ODEL), School of Computing and Informatics, as well as Science Park, Innovation and Incubation Centre (SPIIC), under the guidance of Mr. Benard Phabian, and Dr. Tecla Sum.
“This achievement is not just ours as students; it embodies MMUST’s commitment as a center of innovation that solves real-world problems. We are proud to be part of a solution that can transform agriculture across Africa. This win is more than just a medal; it is a reminder that African solutions can lead global conversations in technology and sustainability. We are deeply honored to represent MMUST and the entire African continent on the global stage in China,” said Mr. Okumu, a 5th year Student pursuing Electrical and Communication Engineering.
The project’s Team Lead, Mr. Larry Adhola Okumu at the event.
With the silver win in the Africa Division under their belt, the MMUST team is now setting its sights on the global finals in China, where they will showcase their innovation alongside some of the world’s most outstanding student-led projects. Preparations are already underway, as the team refines its prototype and pitches for the international stage. The students are hopeful that their solution will not only impress the global judges but also attract potential partners to scale the innovation for real-world impact.
By Caren Nekesa and Ronny Obuolo
