MMUST Showcases Market-Ready AI, Health and Green Tech Innovations at the 63rd Madaraka Day Celebrations Held in Wajir County
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology has participated in the just-concluded 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations, which were led by the President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E Dr. William Samoei Ruto in Wajir County. This year’s celebrations, themed ‘Education, Skills and the Future’, featured several lead-up events, including a three-day thematic exhibition, high-level panel discussions and the 2026 Elimu Mashinani forum held at Wagberi Primary School in Wajir. MMUST showcased a number of outstanding innovations, earning high praise from the Principal Secretary-State Department for Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, during her visit to the University’s booth. The PS noted that MMUST’s innovations are economically viable and affirmed her Department’s commitment to supporting and collaborating with the University.
MMUST team, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, comprised the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs)-Prof. Hussein Golicha, the Director of Science Park, Innovation and Incubation Centre (SPIIC)-Dr. Tecla Sum, MMUSO President-Mr. Obade Valentine as well as two (2) student innovators. The Madaraka Day Celebrations highlighted the vital role of education, innovation and research in advancing Kenya’s socio-economic development and equipping citizens with the skills and knowledge required to navigate emerging global opportunities.
The Director of Science Park, Innovation and Incubation Centre (SPIIC)-Dr. Tecla Sum explains the MMUST Eco-Friendly Biodegradable Sanitary Pads and Diapers innovation to PS Dr. Beatrice Inyangala.
Notably, the University presented four (4) market-ready innovations developed by MMUST scholars and researchers. These solutions span across sustainable healthcare, Artificial Intelligence (AI), security and green energy, showcasing the institution’s commitment to creating impactful, accessible technologies for both local and national challenges. The solutions were; MMUST Eco-Friendly Biodegradable Sanitary Pads and Diapers; MMUST AfyaRoot AI Enabled Healthcare; MMUST Sight24 (Jambazisight); and MMUST Integrated Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging System (PoweredUp).
According to Dr. Sum, the Eco-Friendly Biodegradable Sanitary Pads and Diapers innovation tackles environmental and health concerns by upcycling bagasse, a sugarcane by-product, into affordable, skin-friendly sanitary pads and diapers. “Unlike conventional, expensive synthetic alternatives made of long-lasting polymers that can cause allergic reactions, this plant-based solution is entirely biodegradable. It provides a natural, cost-effective alternative that decomposes seamlessly, significantly reducing plastic waste,” pointed out the Director-SPIIC.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo (in a white cap), visits the MMUST booth as student Innovators-Laura Shaviya and Larry Okumu showcase the University innovations.
MMUST AfyaRoot AI Enabled Healthcare is an innovative health solution designed to bridge the healthcare gap in remote areas like Wajir, where long distances, scarce internet and language barriers often prevent timely medical access. Unlike conventional telehealth applications that require smartphones and 4G connectivity, AfyaRoot operates offline on basic feature phones via SMS and voice, checking symptoms and directing patients to nearby facilities in real time using local languages.
MMUST Sight24 (Jambazisight) is an AI-driven predictive intelligence platform that acts as a force multiplier for law enforcement, fusing real-time citizen reports with autonomous drone and satellite data to enable risk based deployment, improve operational efficiency and enhance officer safety. The fourth solution, PoweredUp, is a state-of-the-art software that enables seamless user experience management, making EV charging more accessible and efficient. With features like real-time tracking of nearby chargers and flexible payment options at competitive rates, this platform empowers users to charge with ease and convenience.
The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs)-Prof. Hussein Golicha (fourth from left) with MMUST staff, students and a guest at the University booth.
The Madaraka Day lead-up activities culminated in the 2026 Elimu Mashinani forum, aired live on Citizen TV. This event brought together Vice Chancellors, Chief Executive Officers, Heads of Parastatals, Directors, Representatives of People with Disabilities(PWDs), TVET Principals and students to discuss safety concerns as well as academic performance within Wajir County and the greater North Eastern region. The distinguished panel featured the Cabinet Secretary-Ministry of Education, Mr. Migos Ogamba; PS-State Department for Basic Education, Amb. Prof. Julius Kibet Bitok; PS-State Department for Higher Education and Research, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala; and PS-State Department for TVET, Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo, speaks at a panel discussion during the event.
Indeed, MMUST is honoured to have been selected to participate in this historic milestone, as Wajir County hosted the national celebrations for the very first time. By showcasing cutting-edge research and innovation, the University has proven that academic institutions are the true engines of Kenya’s transformation. Through the development of impactful solutions, MMUST continues to demonstrate that societal progress relies on empowering researchers and turning visionary ideas into practical, life-changing realities for all Kenyans.
By Wangari Wambugu
