We are pleased to announce that the Sochin Research Institute will be working with the U.S. Embassy Nairobi on two new projects: Cybersecurity and EducationUSA. For the former, we will explore aspects around protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. For the latter, we will help Kenyan students seeking information about educational opportunities in the United States.
First Time Kenyan Graduates will be Attending Global Grad Show in Dubai
The Global Grad Show, in partnership with the Investment Corporation of Dubai, is the world’s largest gathering of top graduate talent and two projects from Kenya were admitted through the Sochin Research Institute. This is a huge success for Tracy Kimathi as well as Elijah Kiprotich Chirchir and his business partner Philemon Kipchirchir Masas. They are the first Kenyans in the show’s six-year history and only one per cent of applications were chosen this year. The Institute is mentoring the entrepreneurs so they can enhance their social enterprises and will appear as the representative faculty members during show and academic conference.
Tracy runs an eco-based organization called Tree_Sea.mals that uses renewable resources to generate social impact. Through the use of mini-grids, her company generates power using solar energy which is then distributed to the local community. A 1kWp mini-grid prototype is already running in Meru County and Tree_Sea.mals is now looking for funding to operate a pilot in Dadachabasa Village, Isiolo County. The latter will include a cold storage facility that is intended to stimulate economic activity and empower women within the community.
Elijah and Philemon invented a phone-call controlled irrigation system with an automatic feedback function. They are from Kericho County which is famous for its beautiful tea plantations. However, few Kenyan farmers irrigate their fields as they rely on rainfall. The two inventors want to change traditional practices and believe their system is more efficient, cost effective, and flexible. Elijah and Philemon are currently improving their prototype and are seeking funding to go into production.
Kenyan Inventors Will Showcase their Designs at the Global Grad Show in Dubai
We are taking two young Kenyan inventors to the Global Grad Show in Dubai this November. Congratulations to Tracy Kimathi and Philemon Kipchrichir (together with his project partner Elijah Kiprotich). The show is the world’s largest gathering of top graduate talent who will present their design and technology projects to a global audience.
Global Grad Show
Social impact innovations from students around the world will be showcased at the Global Grad Show in November. We submitted several project proposals and are talking with the event organizer about participating in the various events attached to the show.
Participation in #SMWNairobi
Our director, Noah Miller, moderated two panel discussions during the recent Social Media Week Nairobi. The first was entitled Artificial Intelligence - How we are no longer in control and featured panelists from Oracle Kenya and AI Kenya. The second panel, Beyond Hashtags – How a new wave of digital activism is changing society, was attended by speakers from Odipo Dev, Apex Porter Novelli, Ogilvy PR, Nation Digital and KNC. This was our fourth time participating in the event organized by Go Gaga Experiential.
The Value of a STEM Education
A solid foundation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) allows you to develop higher-order skills that can be used throughout your life and career. According to Craig Barrett, a former Chairman & CEO of Intel, an engineering education is the most common background of CEOs at Fortune 500 companies.