Meru University Innovators Take Top Prize at 2025 National AI Hackathon with Low-Cost AI Microscope




Nairobi
kasuku David for taifaleo news 

Caroline Gakii, Daniel Maitethia, and Ezekiel Otieno of Meru University of Science and Technology were crowned overall winners of the 2025 National AI Hackathon, highlighting a new generation of Kenyan innovators developing practical, scalable solutions to address pressing national challenges.

The trio clinched the top prize for their project, “A Low-Cost AI-Powered Digital Microscope for Accessible Cancer and Malaria Diagnosis in Kenya,” taking home KSh 2 million during the final showcase held in Nairobi. Joshua Radula of Strathmore University was the first runner-up with “Word 2 Sign,” an AI solution translating spoken or written words into sign language, earning KSh 750,000. Kelvin Mulama secured third place with “Veritas AI, Autonomous Intelligence for Financial Fraud Detection and National Financial Integrity,” winning KSh 500,000.
The hackathon attracted over 5,600 registrations and more than 2,500 AI solution submissions from across the country, underscoring Kenya’s growing digital talent. The initiative, delivered with partners across government, academia, and industry, guided innovators through technical mentorship, product development, ethical AI guidance, and commercialization insights.

Dr. James Kibon, Vice Chancellor of NIRU, said the program is “designed to move innovation beyond ideas into real-world application,” while Interior and National Administration CS Kipchumba Murkomen lauded the diversity and quality of solutions, noting their potential to create jobs and drive economic growth.
The winning projects were selected based on national relevance, scalability, technical feasibility, originality, and measurable impact, covering sectors such as health, security, agriculture, public service delivery, and digital infrastructure. Ali Hussein Kassim, Chief Judge of the Hackathon, emphasized that the solutions are industry-ready and poised for real-world deployment.

The event underscores Kenya’s rising leadership in AI, bridging digital talent with industry to deliver sustainable innovations addressing the country’s socio-economic priorities.

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