When President Uhuru Kenyatta recently claimed that we are the innovation hub for the region, he was not speaking because words taste sweet on the tongue.
It was the truth, and the Nairobi International Trade Fair should affirm that.
At the show, Kenyans from across the country showcased their talent and skills at innovating things that could see the population cut on imports and rely on their own local stuff.
True to the this year's theme “Enhancing Technology in Agriculture and Industry for Food Security and National Growth”, exhibitors showed the need to practise innovation.
Here are some of the key innovations:
1. Fruit sorting robot
The tool was made by Technical University of Mombasa Mechanical Engineering student Anthony Gachuiha. It has sensors which can identify the colour and size of vegetables therefore sorting them for the farmer.
2. Solar vegetable drier
It was made by Stephen Okumu, a student of the Kenya Technical Training Colleges.
According to Okumu, the device will help farmers preserve surplus vegetables while at the same time maintaining their nutritional value.
3. Indoor Greenhouse
This was designed by UoN student Jethrow Kimande.
It has the ability to record its own internal weather conditions. This then tells the farmer what do add or remove from the micro-weather. If you live in Kibera where there is no space for farming, this greenhouse will bring your greens into your house.
Other innovations included the flow bee hive and the wick irrigation system.
If you missed the innovations yet the grounds are within Kibera's proximity, you missed a lot.
Next time you must attend.