The Presidential Innovation Award (PIA) is organized annually by the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) to recognize and support innovators who demonstrate exceptional creativity and problem-solving skills to contribute to economic growth and job creation.  This year, several student teams from the University of Eldoret applied for this Award, and one of the teams was shortlisted under the University Category. The team, led by Kimberly Natalia Scott, were invited to participate in the Presidential Innovation Challenge and Award Pitching Festival from 17 to 21 March 2025 at the Morendat Institute of Oil and Gas, Naivasha.

This high-profile competition, spearheaded by the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, seeks to identify, support, and commercialize the most impactful innovations across the country. The Pitch Festival brought together Kenya’s brightest young minds, industry leaders, and policymakers, all committed to harnessing innovation for national development.

The Dynamic Innovators, showcased their groundbreaking agricultural solution—Tishawing, which is a revolutionary system designed to combat bird pest invasions in cereal farms. Their exceptional presentation and innovative thinking earned them well-deserved recognition among Kenya’s top student innovators.

Tishawing is a game-changing Innovation for Agricultural Security. Kenya’s agricultural sector faces a persistent challenge—bird pests that ravage cereal crops, leading to massive losses for farmers. In some regions, bird attacks account for up to 50% in crop losses, translating to financial setbacks of over Ksh 2 million annually. Farmers have long struggled with ineffective methods such as scarecrows and manual noise-making, which have done little to protect their harvests. Tishawing provides a modern, automated, and effective solution to this problem. The device uses motion-detecting sensors to identify approaching birds, triggering an alarm system that emits sounds to scare them away before they can damage crops. Unlike traditional methods, Tishawing offers real-time bird detection and deterrence, scalability for different farm sizes, eco-friendly and sustainable approach, and minimal farmer intervention, saving time and effort.

The Dynamic Innovators team is a multidisciplinary group of forward-thinking students from different faculties at the University of Eldoret. Their diverse expertise has been crucial in the development and success of Tishawing:

1. Kimberly Scott - Fourth-year student in Applied Statistics with Computing
2. Margaret Kabura - Fourth-year student in Mechanical and Production Engineering
3. Brian Yatich - Second-year student in Agriculture and Biotechnology
4. Keith Etyang - Fourth-year student in Actuarial Science
5. Cynthia Ng'eno - Fourth-year student in Economics

The team has already tested the prototype in various farming environments, with promising results. Farmers who have used Tishawing report a significant drop in bird-related losses, proving that this innovation is not only practical but also a game-changer for food security in Kenya and beyond. By combining technology, engineering, agriculture, and statistical analysis, the team has created an innovative and market-ready solution that addresses a real-world problem. During the pitching competition, the panel of judges was particularly impressed by:

• The team’s in-depth understanding of the agricultural challenge
• The technical feasibility and scalability of Tishawing
• The potential impact on Kenya’s food security and farming communities

Their confidence, clarity, and ability to merge technology with agriculture set them apart, making Tishawing one of the most promising innovations presented at the event.

The Presidential Innovation Challenge and Award 2024-2025 was a fiercely contested competition featuring over 400 young innovators from across Kenya. Participants pitched groundbreaking ideas in agriculture, health, digital technology, and energy, all with the potential to transform lives and industries. The Dynamic Innovators took the stage on 20th March 2025 and delivered a compelling presentation on Tishawing. Their pitch, backed by thorough research, real-world testing, and an impressive prototype, captured the attention of judges, investors, and government representatives.

Dynamic Innovators’ participation at the PIA Pitch Festival is a testament to the University of Eldoret’s commitment to research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The students were accompanied by the Head of Intellectual Property Management, Dr. Becky Aloo. University of Eldoret has continuously provided an environment where students can transform ideas into impactful solutions that address real-world challenges. Through mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and access to research resources, the university ensures that students are equipped to tackle global challenges and develop market-ready solutions. Tishawing is a shining example of how creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving can lead to groundbreaking innovations. The participation of students in the prestigious presidential innovation Award Competitions offers an opportunity for the students to compete for the highest Presidential Innovation Award which will be presented by His Excellency the President of Kenya on a date to be communicated.