By Allan Kai & Linda Wamaitha
The Pwani Innovation Week entered its third day today with kids from all over the country coming to showcase their innovations at the Tech Kids Expo 2022.
Tech Kids Africa partnered with Communications Authority of Kenya to conduct a cyber security bootcamp, where the kids were taught about online safety as well as instruction on cyber bullying.
Dr. Tony Omwansa, CEO Kenya National Innovation Agency was present at the event and lauded the efforts being made by Tech Kids Africa in trying to encourage children to consider tech.
“We are not competing for opportunities within the country, opportunities are created as a result of globalization of society, and technology is what connects us to the rest of the world. The more children appreciate that, the better they are prepared for tomorrow.” Said Omwansa.
“Every moment counts for the child, and they will hold us accountable for not having exposed them,” he added.
A number of innovations were showcased at the event, among them an automated dust bin which uses ultrasonic sensors to detect trash and collect it automatically. The device was created by seven-year-old, Abdulhaleem Wali, who hopes to solve the garbage crisis in the county.
Another innovation was by twelve-year-old Norman Shah, who designed a website that he hopes will help the County Government of Mombasa to collect methane gas from landfills, as well as harnessing wind energy, and convert it in to electric energy.
“I wrote a letter to the county government explaining my project. I met with Governor Hassan Joho and they have helped me in my project,” said Norman.
Director Tech Kids Africa Paul Akwabi, was excited for the event stating that he believes nurturing innovators from an early age is important for guaranteeing a better future for the coming generations.
“African countries are generally third world countries and we are looking forward to becoming first world. For us to do that, we have to nurture quality talent at par with Harvard and Stanford graduates.” Akwabi said.
Swahili Pot Hub Executive Director, Mahmoud Noor expressed his joy about hosting the Tech Kids Expo, acknowledging that it is important not to forget the foundation as we build on our future.
“If we invest in building a generation of young people who appreciate and know technology at a lower level, that is why for us, Tech Kids Africa is very important.” Said Noor.
Tech Kids Africa is the only school in Mombasa that mentors children from as young as four years old in technology.
Akwabi further added that more innovations are expected in future, promising that the next Tech Kids Expo as well as the Pwani Innovation Week shall be even bigger.
Close The Gap, Gilitics Media, kids in tech, Mombasa county, Pwani Innovation Week, Swahili Pot Hub, Tech Kidz Africa