At just 17 years old, Stephen Wamukota from Western Kenya has done what most global engineers only dream of—he’s built a working water filtration system from basic household and natural materials. What started as a home science experiment quickly turned into an international award-winning solution, earning him first place at the Global Student Innovation Challenge.
In a region where clean drinking water is still a daily struggle, Stephen’s innovation brings life-saving hope. Using sugarcane waste, charcoal, sand, and solar power, his purifier can clean over 25 liters of water a day, enough to serve an entire household.
“My dream is to help villages like mine have clean, safe water without needing expensive equipment,” Stephen shared after accepting his award virtually from Nairobi.
His invention is already being piloted by local NGOs, with plans to scale into neighboring counties. Stephen’s school has now received funding to build a science lab in his honor, and international universities have expressed interest in supporting his education.
Highlights:
Stephen’s story isn’t just about science—it’s about the power of resourcefulness, compassion, and determination. He represents a generation of changemakers solving real problems with heart and ingenuity.
