From Banana Fibre to Big Wins

Chuka University is proud to celebrate its very own Pamela Apuko, the innovator behind the “Safe Sanitary Pad from Banana Fiber”, following her outstanding performance at the Presidential Innovation Challenge and Award (PIA) 2024–2025 cycle.

Pamela’s innovation was awarded First Runners Up (2nd Position) in the University Student Category under the Climate Action and Green Energy thematic area, earning a cash prize of Ksh 3,000,000. The innovation was developed and presented during the PIA pitching exercise held on 20th March 2025 at the Morendat Institute of Oil and Gas in Naivasha, where it was recognized for its creativity, sustainability, and strong social impact potential.

The innovation was officially celebrated today during the PIA Award, Mentorship and Closing Ceremony held at the same venue, which brought together key stakeholders in Kenya’s innovation ecosystem to recognize and support outstanding student-led solutions.