The Technical University of Kenya students scooped the second position in the just concluded GAIAthon, competition that took place from 18th to 21st August 18, 2025 in Accra, Ghana. This was the first time the University was taking part in the intercontinental competition that attracted 16 universities. Arnold Omoja and Julia Hamala both fourth-year students pursuing Bachelor of Engineering (Geospatial Engineering) from the Department of Surveying and Spatial Sciences (DSSS), won in the Digital Platforms and Interactive Applications category. The students developed a mobile/web platform for processing and visualising EO and IoT data, enhancing decision-making and community engagement.
They therefore walked away with USD 1,500. The first position was awarded USD 3,000, at a ceremony also attended by Omoja and Dr. Clifford Okembo, project coordinator and lecturer in the Department of Physics, Earth and Environmental Sciences.
The students developed a project, ‘Green Map Nairobi’ an interactive application that monitors environmental condition of Nairobi, to access green coverage among other conditions.
During the interview, the students they were focusing on building the app to a final stage and improving their project to cover a wider scope. “Currently, we are using open source data which has low resolution, we will be searching for a premier data set to boost accuracy of our data,” said Omoja.
He further explained that they were monitoring green cover, adding air quality monitoring, flooding, quality of water, among others.
Other areas the project may address will be those with low-tree cover, cleaning initiative and restoration and reporting system, which may help in curbing illegal logging.
“This may help stakeholders come up with tree planting incentives among others. We are appealing for support from the Government, academia and other stakeholders,” added Hamala.
Dr. Okembo, explained that his team was looking forward to next year’s programme and that the project was earmarked for Kenya Innovation week. The students will represent the university.
“We will also help the team perfect their solution enhancing further improvement and coverage to local level not just the ward,” said he.
He challenged other students to identify opportunities available and grab them. “Look at innovation beyond classroom, knowledge acquired through practically oriented innovations, march with the real work,” added Dr. Okembo.
About GAIAthon '25 Awards Ceremony
It was initiated by Africa Union through Space Agency. GAIAthon, organized by the Edenway Foundation, is an annual innovation challenge designed to tap into the potential of university students across Africa. The initiative aims to promote digital stewardship for sustainability, with a focus on Earth Observation (EO) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.
Launched in May 2024 under the theme “Empowering Innovation through Digital Literacy,” GAIAthon provides a platform for young innovators to propose tech-driven solutions that address pressing environmental and developmental issues in Africa.
TU-K students’ concept Green Map Nairobi involves mapping green spaces, sustainable businesses and cultural sites to improve public awareness and urban sustainability, as shown by efforts from organizations like UN-Habitat and individuals on platforms.
