Chuka University Shines At Meru University Innovation Week With Groundbreaking Projects

Breaking Barriers in Menstrual Health: Meet Pamela Triza Apuko

One of the standout innovators was Pamela Triza Apuko, a Chuka University student revolutionizing menstrual health by creating biodegradable sanitary pads made from banana fiber. Apuko’s invention, showcased at the event, attracted widespread interest for its potential to address two critical issues: providing affordable, safe sanitary products to women and reducing the environmental impact of traditional, non-biodegradable pads.

Using banana fiber, an agricultural by-product readily available in Kenya, Apuko’s pads are entirely organic and decompose quickly, offering a sustainable solution to menstrual health. “This is just the beginning,” said Apuko, who envisions scaling up her project for commercialization. “I want this product to be available to girls and women everywhere, especially in marginalized communities where access to affordable menstrual products is limited.”

Her innovation, incubated at Chuka University, demonstrates how research can solve real-world problems, receiving praise from women’s health advocates and environmentalists alike.

Robotics Innovation: DIY Robotic Arm

In another groundbreaking project, a team of Chuka University engineering students—Ezra Masinde, Siata Edward Ronex, and Mailu Dennis Maneno—developed a cost-effective DIY robotic arm system designed to enhance human-robot interaction. The 6-degree-of-freedom (DOF) robotic arm, built using accessible components like Arduino Uno, servo motors, Bluetooth modules, and 3D printing technology, allows users to control its movements through simple hand gestures via smartphone apps.

The project targets DIY enthusiasts, students, and hobbyists eager to explore robotics, offering an affordable entry point into the field. The team’s work was hailed as a breakthrough in making robotics more accessible, with potential applications in manufacturing, healthcare, and education.

Enhancing Ugali: A Nutritional Breakthrough by Winnie Kawira

Chuka University Food Science student Winnie Kawira also garnered attention with her innovative approach to enriching ugali, Kenya’s staple food. Recognizing that ugali is high in carbohydrates but lacks essential nutrients, Kawira’s experiment seeks to boost its nutritional value by adding milk powder for calcium and proteins from silver fish.

Her enriched ugali product, showcased during the event, sparked interest for its potential to address malnutrition and improve dietary balance nationwide. Kawira’s research highlights how simple, affordable modifications to staple foods can have far-reaching health benefits.

 Socio-Economic Empowerment and Climate Change Panel

Chuka University’s contributions extended beyond exhibitions, with Dr. Immaculate Mutali participating in a panel discussion on socio-economic empowerment and climate change. Dr. Mutali shared insights on how addressing climate change can promote economic resilience, emphasizing the critical link between sustainability and development. Her participation added depth to the discussions on creating a future where innovation and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

Conclusion

Meru University’s Research and Innovation Week provided a vibrant platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, with Chuka University’s delegation making a lasting impact. From revolutionizing menstrual health and robotics to enhancing Kenya’s staple food, Chuka University students and faculty demonstrated their commitment to solving real-world problems through innovation. The event solidified the university’s role as a hub for creativity, entrepreneurship, and forward-thinking solutions.