A team of Kenyan university students has won the Stars of Innovation: U.S.-Kenya AI Challenge after developing an artificial intelligence solution aimed at tackling maternal health challenges.
The winning team emerged top among eight finalists after pitching their innovation for MediBora. This AI-powered platform enables continuous monitoring, early risk alerts, and real-time communication between expectant women and healthcare providers. Their solution was developed using U.S. artificial intelligence tools and American innovation methods, with judges praising its practical design, integration with existing health systems, and thoughtful use of multi-channel access.
“We wanted to solve a problem that affects people every day,” said Washington Adiado, the team lead. “The platform works across mobile app, SMS, USSD, and voice channels, making it accessible even in low-connectivity and low-literacy settings.”
MediBora was selected from more than 70 Kenyan students and young professionals who took part in the challenge, working in teams across five key shared areas: agriculture and food security; health and wellbeing; finance and enterprise; education and skills; and infrastructure and energy.
The five-member team drawn from different universities led by Adiado, a software and security engineer, are Fardosa Mohamed, a business analyst, Jael Wainaina, a data scientist, Mary Latiffah, a biomedical engineer, Cedric Mwanebetu, team mentor and Steven Kingoro, a software engineer.
“Key features include GPS-enabled emergency alerts and direct links to clinicians for timely follow-up,” Adiado said.
Unlike many innovative programs that focus mainly on theoretical ideas, participants were required to demonstrate how their solutions could be realistically implemented, sustained, and scaled. Judges assessed projects based on feasibility, economic relevance, and readiness for use in real markets.
Speaking during the finals, Mark Burrell, Regional Public Engagement Specialist at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, said the challenge reflects how the United States approaches innovation.
“The United States leads in artificial intelligence because we focus on application, standards, and results,” Burrell said. “Programs like this prepare talented young people to work with U.S. technology, meet global standards, and compete in the international economy.”
As winners, MediBora earned a direct invitation to compete in the upcoming Red, White & Build Hackathon, a U.S. Embassy-supported competition to be held later this month in Nairobi, Nakuru, and Eldoret. The hackathon will offer advanced training, mentorship, and a chance to win cash prizes.
The Stars of Innovation Challenge is part of the U.S. Embassy’s broader effort to strengthen U.S.- Kenya economic and technology partnerships by promoting American innovation, U.S. technology standards, and entrepreneurship through American Spaces across the country.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
