A lamp that is radio, phone and DVD player

Blackouts, especially the endless and persistent ones, are a nuisance to most Nairobi residents.

And almost on cue, the power outages usually strike just when you need electricity the most, to either charge your phone, watch that entertaining football game, or catch on the season's finale of a nail-biting TV series you have been following.

While we were busy mulling over how to deal with the blackouts, Dennis Bwire found a solution.

The 23-year-old standard seven drop out has found a way to convert the common kerosene lamp into a practical combo of lantern, radio, DVD player and an in-built telephone, all of which run on three or four dry cell batteries.

"When power goes off, all activities grind to a halt. I looked at that scenario and thought of this idea which still can work well at home and even in offices. If you have this product, you will have light, your phone and entertainment in a single, simple lamp," says Bwire.

Bwire who is not familiar with sophistication of electronics after dropping out of school, developed the idea after repairing torches for some time. His items are made from scrap metals and waste radio and phone parts.

He started the light-radio project in May in his home in Busia.

"You can connect it to a television set to watch movies or listen to music. At the same time, one can be connected to a phone. An incoming call mutes the TV, allowing you to communicate with the caller," he told The Nairobian.

The phone is in-built and uses a SIM card. The caller's name is displayed on the television's screen, and when not connected to the television, it is displayed on a small screen on the lamp.

Bwire says the batteries' power can last for weeks, and that when it goes down, the radio and DVD player  shut down, with only the light remaining functional for three more weeks.

Bwire has sold about 15 lamps and hopes for better sales after exhibiting his invention at the Nairobi International Trade Fair.

"I have received some orders, but I have financial problems. Sometimes I can't afford to buy the raw materials," says Bwire.

The items cost between Sh1,500 and Sh5,000, depending on the features.