KAFU iiHub’s Electrifying Debut at the WRRIC 2nd Edition Hackathon

For the first time, KAFU iiHub innovators participated in the Western Region Research and Innovation Consortium (WRRIC) Multidisciplinary Hackathon. From an all-night coding marathon to deep dives into blockchain and drone tech, our 20-student delegation made a lasting impression at Maseno University.

A Grand Debut at Maseno University

On the 13th and 14th of March 2026, Kaimosi Friends University (KAFU) made its highly anticipated first appearance at the Western Region Research and Innovation Consortium (WRRIC) Hackathon Edition II.

Hosted at the Maseno University Main Campus, the two-day event was driven by a powerful theme: "Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation for a Prosperous Nation: Youth-Led Grassroots Solution for National Growth." The KAFU iiHub was proudly represented by a delegation of 20 brilliant student innovators who came ready to showcase their tech solutions across various thematic panels.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the KAFU administration for facilitating this trip, and a special thank you to our dedicated lecturers, Prof. Kelvin Omieno and Dr. Ayub Shirandula, for accompanying and guiding our students throughout this milestone event.

The "Night Runners" Experience: Coding Until Dawn

One of the most thrilling highlights of the event was the "Night Runners" coding session. Our student innovators stayed up the entire night, racing against the clock to code, refine, and finalize their solutions from scratch to have a working prototype ready for the morning pitches.

This intense, immersive experience pushed our teams to their creative limits and perfectly captured the true spirit of a hackathon.

Beyond the Code: Unvaluable Industry Insights

The WRRIC Hackathon wasn't just about presenting; it was a massive learning ground. With over 100 projects showcased across the entire event, the exposure to emerging technologies was unparalleled.

• Blockchain Unveiled: During the night sessions, our students had the incredible opportunity to interact with the OKX team, diving deep into blockchain technology, Web3 integration, and decentralized systems.

• The Reality of Drone Tech: Students also got a reality check on the aviation tech industry, learning the intricacies of drone operations—including the surprising fact that acquiring a commercial drone flying certification in Kenya costs around KSH 200,000!

Building the Western Tech Ecosystem

Innovation doesn't happen in a silo. The event provided a fantastic platform to network, share ideas, and collaborate with brilliant minds from across the Western and Nyanza regions. Our innovators interacted closely with peers from Kisii University, Kibabii University, Great Lakes University of Kisumu (GLUK), Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University (JOOUST), Rongo University, Tom Mboya University, and the host, Maseno University.

Looking Ahead: KAFU to Host WRRIC 3.0?

Our impressive turnout and the high caliber of the projects presented by the 20 KAFU students did not go unnoticed. The organizers and the WRRIC Central Committee were deeply impressed by KAFU’s vibrant tech culture.

In a thrilling conclusion to the event, the organizers strongly suggested that KAFU should host the WRRIC 3.0 Hackathon next year in March 2027! This marks a monumental step forward for the KAFU iiHub. We arrived as first-time participants, but we left as recognized ecosystem leaders ready to welcome the region to Kaimosi next year.