How social media propped Class Eight pupil to innovation

Ethan Simiyu's self-built hydraulic arm. [Nathan Ochunge, Standard]

"My research won't end here, I'm still researching how to come up with a drone using locally available materials," he says.

The learner also encourages his peers to utilise social media platforms to benefit themselves and implored well-wishers including local leaders to sponsor him so that he can perfect his research work.

According to Antony Fungututi, Simiyu's father, the son's talent started to manifest at a young age.

"He used to dismantle toys and assemble the parts again on his own."

"My son's passion for engineering work has not started recently, he could dismantle toys, Radios, and other items in the house and assemble them later to near perfection," Mr Fungututi says.

He adds that he has always supported his son and encouraged him to nurture his engineering skills and talent.

Alice Ndombi, Simiyu's mother, says her son would have benefited more if he had learned under the competency-based curriculum (CBC).

She says that Simiyu uses science principles to come up with his projects calling on science technicians to help his son to achieve the best.

Stephen Chamigere, Simiyu's former headteacher at Christ the King Primary School, describes the learner as 'very bright'.

"His favourite subjects were mathematics and sciences," says the teacher.

According to Chamigere, the pupil always posted impressive results since he was in Class Six.

"He would teach his colleagues Mathematics and Sciences sometimes and most of them liked him," he said.