Meru University of Science and Technology proudly celebrates a remarkable achievement by Dr. Daniel Maitethia and his team of Master’s students Ezekiel Otieno and Caroline Gakii who have emerged winners at the NIRU AI Hackathon held at Safari Park.

The award-winning team presented an innovative solution titled “A Low-Cost AI-Powered Digital Microscope for Accessible Cancer and Malaria Diagnosis in Kenya.” The project was submitted under the Sustainable Development Track, within the thematic area of Healthcare Innovation, focusing on AI-assisted diagnostic systems for cancer and malaria detection.

This groundbreaking innovation addresses critical challenges in Kenya’s healthcare system by leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance affordability, accessibility, and accuracy in disease diagnosis particularly in underserved areas.

The team’s journey to victory began with a highly competitive selection process that saw over 2,500 submissions from across the country. Their project stood out due to its strong alignment with national priorities, including digital transformation, healthcare accessibility, and sustainable development.

This achievement highlights the University’s continued commitment to fostering innovation, research excellence, and impactful solutions that address real-world challenges.

The University community congratulates Dr. Maitethia and his team for this outstanding accomplishment and for representing the institution with distinction on a national platform.