The University Management Board (UMB) has applauded JKUAT student Ridan Hawi for leading his team to victory in the 2025 Call for Code Global Challenge.

Led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi, the Board commended Hawi, a fourth-year Electrical and Electronic Engineering student, for the remarkable achievement, describing it as a testament to the University’s growing excellence in innovation and technology-driven problem-solving.

Hawi’s team, DuniAfrika, was awarded the Global Grand Prize in the annual Call for Code Global Challenge, organised by IBM, becoming the first team from the Africa and Middle East region to claim the top honour in the prestigious worldwide competition since its inception in 2018.

The team’s winning solution, “LINDA” (a Swahili word meaning “protect”), is an AI-powered safety assistant designed to enhance the safety of Jua Kali workers, who often operate in hazardous environments with limited access to occupational safety support.

Speaking during a UMB meeting on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Vice Chancellor Prof. Victoria Ngumi underscored the importance of nurturing student innovation and creativity, noting that such accomplishments demonstrate the capacity of JKUAT students to develop solutions to real-world challenges while competing successfully on the global stage.

“We are delighted by your achievement and the honour you have brought to the University and the country. Your success is a clear demonstration of the ingenuity, resilience, and innovative spirit that our students possess,” said the Vice Chancellor.

Prof. Ngumi urged students to continue leveraging their knowledge, creativity, and research capabilities to develop innovative solutions that address societal challenges and contribute to sustainable development.

IBM CSR Leader for Africa and the Middle East, Mr. John Matogo, who accompanied Hawi, noted that the company remains committed to providing students with platforms to showcase their talents, develop innovative solutions, and gain exposure to global opportunities through technology and innovation-driven initiatives.

Mr. Matogo also emphasized the importance of challenging students to think beyond the classroom and develop practical solutions to real-world problems, noting that such experiences equip them with the skills, confidence, and innovative mindset needed to thrive in the competitive job market.

“At IBM, we believe that nurturing competitive graduates in areas such as data science, cloud computing, and other emerging technologies is crucial in preparing them for the future of work and positioning them to succeed in an increasingly digital and knowledge-driven economy,” said Mr. Matogo.

Hawi noted that the team comprises Hawona Rodgers of Kirinyaga University and Robert Odhiambo of the University of Nairobi, whose diverse expertise and collaborative efforts were instrumental in the development of the award-winning solution.

On their future plans, Hawi said the team is continuing to refine and enhance the innovation with the aim of expanding its impact and ensuring it effectively addresses the safety needs of workers in the informal sector.