It was a proud moment for Kenya as Kelvin Kang’ethe, a Computer Science student from Zetech University, stepped onto the global stage to represent his country at the just concluded FIRST Global Robotics Challenge (IFCA) in Athens, Greece from the 26th to 29th of September 2024. The prestigious event, gathers brilliant young minds from around the world to showcase their innovations in robotics and technology.
Kelvin’s journey to this international platform has been fueled by his passion for technology and robotics, nurtured during his studies at Zetech University. The university, known for its cutting-edge tech programs and emphasis on practical, future-ready skills, has been a significant part of Kelvin’s growth. As a Computer Science student, Kelvin has worked tirelessly to hone his technical abilities, learning programming, engineering, and robotics design.
The FIRST Global Robotics Challenge brings together teams from over 190 countries, each tasked with solving engineering challenges designed to address real-world issues. Kelvin, alongside the Zetech University team, showcased a robot they built to tackle the competition’s sustainability challenge, which focuses on creating solutions for environmental conservation — an area that aligns with Kelvin’s own interests in sustainability and innovation.
The Vice Chancellor Zetech University, Prof. Njenga Munene, noted “Kelvin’s participation represents the institution’s broader mission to empower students to excel in the rapidly evolving tech world, with Technology standing out as a main pillar in the University’s recent success. The university has been increasingly involved in international collaborations and competitions, encouraging students to push boundaries and engage with global technological developments. Kelvin’s success is a testament to this ethos of preparing students to be ‘future-ready.’” Speaking about his participation, Kelvin shared, “This is an incredible opportunity to not only represent Kenya but also demonstrate how technology can be a powerful tool for positive change. I’m grateful to Zetech University for the support and resources that have made this possible.”
The global competition is expected to be a stepping stone for Kelvin, with many bright opportunities ahead in the fields of robotics, artificial intelligence, and environmental conservation technologies. As Kelvin competes in Athens, the entire Zetech University community, as well as Kenyans, are cheering him on, eager to see him bring home accolades and inspiration for future innovators.
Zetech University’s support for initiatives like FIRST Global is part of its commitment to fostering talent that can thrive in international arenas, continually proving that Kenyan students have what it takes to compete on the global stage.