Growing up in rural Kenya, Dr. Paul Onkundi Nyangaresi witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of contaminated water on his community.
Determined to bring change, the Environmental Engineering and Electronic Science Technologist has achieved his dream by developing a cost-effective rainwater disinfection system now providing clean water to the Rianyabayo Memorial Academy in Kisii County, Kenya.
The innovative system, which stores up to 10,000 litres and delivers 500 litres of clean water daily for 365 students and teachers, has earned Dr. Nyangaresi the Mitacs Innovation Award — Inclusive Innovator of the Year. This first-of-its-kind system utilizes ultraviolet LED technology paired with a Kenyan-designed filtration system, ensuring affordability and sustainability.
Now a postdoctoral researcher at the University of British Columbia under Professor Sara Beck, Dr. Nyangaresi collaborated closely with his home community to create a culturally appropriate solution. His work was made possible through Mitacs’s support and partnerships with Toronto-based Clear Inc. and London-based MW Technologies.
“For me, the aim was always to find a way to help my community, and Mitacs helped me do that,” said Dr. Nyangaresi, who noted the importance of understanding the unique needs of local communities. His design avoids costly chlorine treatments and integrates local materials, boosting economic development and empowering the community.
The system, powered by a photovoltaic system for energy independence, exemplifies inclusive innovation, with potential applications in other marginalized regions globally, including Canada’s Indigenous communities.
Dr. Nyangaresi hopes to replicate the model in other communities, continuing his mission to provide clean water to those who need it most.
This is a fantastic project. Congratulations to Dr. Paul Congratulations.