Kenyan AI innovators compete in US program
Written by Black Hot Fire Network Team on February 20, 2026
Four young engineers from Nairobi were recognized for their innovative solutions at the Red, White and Build Hackathon, a competition supported by the United States. The event aimed to foster practical and scalable technology solutions within Kenya.
Competition Focus
The hackathon challenged teams to utilize US artificial intelligence tools to address key areas including agriculture and food security, health and wellbeing, finance and enterprise, education and skills, and infrastructure and energy. Twelve finalist teams participated, representing Nairobi, Nakuru, and Eldoret.
Smart Chamas Wins Top Prize
Team Wallstreet, comprised of Shila Swanapole, Lenny Kidavi, Rachael Ngochi, and Najoli Ugaro, secured the first-place prize of $1,000 (Sh129,000) with their Smart Chamas platform. This AI-powered platform assists Kenya’s informal savings groups in building credit scores through transactions, enhancing efficiency and investment returns. The team will also receive access to US-based AI, cloud, and digital technology platforms to further develop their prototype.
According to Ngochi, informal savings groups contribute nearly 40 percent of Kenya’s GDP. Smart Chamas aims to make these groups more accountable and investment-ready by providing credit scores and formal record-keeping. Swanapole noted that the team overcame initial disagreements to create a stronger solution.
Second and Third Place Winners
Team Eldocare from Eldoret earned $700 (Sh90,468) for their AI tools designed to improve healthcare efficiency. The team members were Fredrick Okwomboli, James Ngandu, Brian Cheruiyot, and Vanessa Hidaya. Trust Guard Unit took third place, earning $400 (Sh51,696) for solutions enhancing community security. The members of this team were Kelvin Mulama, Vivian Wanjala, Ezekiel Mburu, and Michael Wambui.
Other Notable Innovations
Other innovations presented at the hackathon included Crop Pulse, developed by Peter Chepkwony, which assists rural farmers in becoming credit-ready. Chepkwony stated that the experience provided exposure to advanced US-based AI and cloud technologies, strengthening their professional skills. He also emphasized the team’s focus on scaling the innovation, securing intellectual property, and bringing it to market.
MediBora, a maternal health platform, refined its AI-powered monitoring system during the event. The team addressed challenges related to real-world usability, affordability, and functionality in areas with limited internet access.
U.S. Embassy Statement
Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Carla Benini, highlighted the hackathon’s role in preparing young Kenyans for a future where AI complements human ingenuity. She stated that the projects teach young people to think like innovators and build solutions that work, contributing to job creation and strengthening U.S.–Kenya trade relationships.
The Red, White and Build Hackathon is part of a broader US Embassy initiative to promote American innovation, technology standards, and entrepreneurship across Kenya, empowering young innovators to address the country’s challenges.
