Leaders in academia and technology are calling for increased support for student innovators, noting that young people hold key to unlocking the country’s next phase of economic growth, particularly in manufacturing, digital transformation, and environmental governance.
This renewed call comes as Zetech University continues to scale new heights in innovation, clinching the overall top position at the 2025 Inter-University Hackathon, a win that reinforces the critical role of student-led solutions in strengthening the country’s economic and technological future.
Zetech’s champion project, MinerAI, developed by a team of computer science and engineering students, emerged victorious among submissions from 28 universities.
The AI-powered innovation detects illegal mining using satellite analytics and precision mapping, earning national recognition and multiple accolades, including an endorsement from the Mining Engineers Society of Kenya.
The success of MinerAI has been hailed as a powerful example of what young innovators can contribute when given mentorship, tools, and institutional support.
“Students are at the Centre of Kenya’s innovation economy. When they are supported, they create world-class solutions that address real national challenges,” said team leader Kelvin Muriithi, noting that MinerAI represents hundreds of hours of dedication and a desire to positively impact governance and environmental protection.
Zetech University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Njenga Munene, said the win reflects the strength of the Institution’s growing innovation ecosystem.
He emphasised that students must be empowered to design the technologies that will drive Kenya’s manufacturing sector and industrial competitiveness.
“Our students continue to prove that innovation thrives, where young talent is nurtured. Supporting them is not just an academic duty, but a national economic strategy,” he said, while celebrating the win, yesterday.
The Dean of Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, Dr. Benjamin Muindi, added that ethical AI solutions like MinerAI show the potential of student-led research to transform sectors such as environmental management, governance, mining, and manufacturing.
Dr Muindi called for sustained industry and government collaboration, to ensure Kenya’s innovators can scale their solutions.
Zetech University also excelled in category awards through Sauti, which topped the Culture theme, further highlighting the Institution’s diversified strength in developing practical solutions across disciplines.
Held at JKUAT under the theme “Strengthening the Innovation Ecosystem for Sustainable Development Using Ethical AI-Powered Solutions,” the hackathon brought together industry partners, including Adapt IT, Oracle, KNBS, Power Learn Project, and KAPS Ltd, underscoring the importance of partnerships in strengthening the country’s innovation pipeline.
By Muoki Charles
