As Vihiga County marked World Food Day on Oct 18 in Mbale, businesses exhibited various products and among them were young innovators from Friends College Kaimosi showcasing new innovations in the Agricultural and Building industry.
Eliud Misire and Esther Rodah have invented a Shamba Multipurpose Machine from scrap metals with the ability to perform three tasks at ago. The machine that is motor, fuel or electricity operated has the ability to shell, grind and chaff livestock feeds, saving time and labour.
“We invented this machine with the help of our Head of Department in Mechanical Engineering, Mr. Thadeus Wanamu. The invention has since been exhibited in various events and occasions including the National TVET fair in Meru where we made our first sale,” said Eliud.
While the Covid-19 pandemic had its own set of challenges, Calvince Ochola saw it as an opportunity to invent a machine that could reduce crowding of workers at construction sites. Ochola, who is a social work and community development student at Friends Kaimosi College invented a sand sieving machine that uses motor or generator to sieve sand, separating the soft and hard sand used at different stages of construction.
The young innovators targeted job creation among youths in the Jua Kali industry, who will be actively involved in the construction of the machine as well as lower cost of production in large scale agricultural production and the construction industry.
“The machines are already in the market at affordable prices, we’d like to see residents believe in our work by normalizing use of such new inventions,” they said.
According to Eliud and Ochola, youths should fully exploit their talents and come up with innovations that can change the world.
The business to business exhibition saw participation from various agricultural and business organization that displayed products, innovations and services to the people of Vihiga.
Culminating the event, the Deputy Governor of Vihiga County government, Wilberforce Kitiezo, awarded certificates to the participants and promised to invest more in the agricultural sector to boost food production and wealth accumulation in the County.
By Susan Agoi
