From left, Medibora team members Jael Wainaina, Fardosa Mohammed, Cedric Mwanebetu and Washinton Odiado pose for a photo with Mark Burrel, (middle) Regional Public Engagement Specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi after winning the Stars of Innovation Challenge/COURTESY



Read Also
Coach Matano impressed, Siraj finds form and purpose at KCB Football
Yego seeks golden continental exit in Accra showpiece Athletics
TOUCHLINE COLUMN: Sh42.4m storm exposes fragile foundations of Kenyan football governance Football



Enjoying this article? Subscribe for unlimited access to premium sports coverage.
View Plans
A Kenyan student team has won the US - Kenya Stars of Innovation AI Challenge after developing an artificial intelligence platform designed to improve maternal health outcomes.

The group beat seven other finalists with MediBora, an AI-powered system that allows continuous health monitoring, early detection of pregnancy risks and real-time communication between expectant mothers and their healthcare providers.

Judges commended its practicality, integration with existing medical systems, and ability to operate across multiple channels.

“We wanted to solve a problem that affects people every day,” team lead Washington Adiado said.

“The platform works through a mobile app, SMS, USSD and voice, so women in low-connectivity or low-literacy settings can still access care.”

The competition brought together more than 70 Kenyan students and early-career professionals who worked in teams across five priority areas: agriculture, health, finance, education and infrastructure.

The winning five-member team includes Adiado, business analyst Fardosa Mohamed, data scientist Jael Wainaina, biomedical engineer Mary Latiffah, mentor Cedric Mwanebetu, and software engineer Steven Kingoro.

Key features of the MediBora platform include GPS-enabled emergency alerts and direct links to clinicians for prompt follow-up.

Unlike many innovation challenges that prioritise conceptual proposals, participants in this event were required to demonstrate how their solutions could be implemented, sustained and scaled.

Judges evaluated feasibility, economic potential and readiness for real-world use.

Speaking at the finals, Mark Burrell, Regional Public Engagement Specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, said the challenge reflects the United States' hands-on approach to innovation.

“The United States leads in artificial intelligence because we focus on application, standards and results,” he said.

 “Programs like this prepare young people to work with U.S. technology, meet global standards, and compete internationally.”

As winners, the MediBora team secured a direct slot in the upcoming Red, White & Build Hackathon, a U.S. Embassy-supported event scheduled to take place later this month in Nairobi, Nakuru and Eldoret. The hackathon offers advanced training, mentorship and opportunities to win cash prizes.

The Stars of Innovation Challenge is part of broader U.S. Embassy efforts to strengthen U.S.–Kenya technology and economic cooperation through American Spaces across the country.