The University of Nairobi (UoN) has achieved a significant milestone in its mission to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical societal solutions with last week’s official launch of the UoN-Majicom Water Purification Kiosk. This pioneering project is a collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering and UK-based Majicom Limited.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jesang Hutchinson, emphasised that the kiosk is a testament to the power of strategic partnerships. In remarks read on her behalf by the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Siphila Mumenya, she noted, “This water purification kiosk symbolises the power of university-industry collaboration where research, engineering expertise, and innovation come together to develop sustainable solutions for communities”.
This sentiment was echoed by the Director of Intellectual Property Management, Prof. Maina Wagacha, who represented the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE). He described the kiosk as a “living laboratory” because students and faculty engage directly with innovative water technology solutions.
A key highlight of the launch was the recognition of students and interns who were on the front line of developing this innovation. Prof. Wagacha praised the shift from theoretical research toward “impactful research” that addresses societal challenges.
“When we hear that the students are at the centre of this innovation, it is a very proud moment for us because essentially we are planting a seed that will bear fruit for us tomorrow”, he said.
Jonathan Wolf, Head of Production at Majicom Limited, highlighted the technical uniqueness and social benefits of the system. Unlike traditional water kiosks, this unit is highly portable and features a "smart" computer system with the benefits of self-cleaning, advanced filtration technology, and remote monitoring of water levels and chlorine content.
Mr Wolf explained the design features of the kiosk that make it highly attractive to the user, offering high-quality water at accessible rates:
- Massive Savings: The water costs approximately one-third of the price of supermarket water.
- Affordable Pricing: Currently, a 250ml refill costs only five shillings.
- Zero Plastic Waste: The project utilizes a "bring your own bottle" model, drastically reducing plastic waste on campus.
- Solar-Ready: While currently using mains power, the unit includes an internal battery and has been tested for solar power to ensure future sustainability.
By turning academic excellence into a tangible benefit, the University of Nairobi is living up to its vision of transforming society.