The African continent is one full of tradition, wealth and prosperity; it holds virtually all of the

precious metals and minerals. Yet if we look at the contemporary African countries, they are
being manipulated by other ones so that they can take advantage of their various resources, so
the question we might be asking ourselves is: does Africa’s salvation depend on the outside
world, how future geniuses born in the mother of mankind lift it for a better future? In this article,
we will be discussing how the new technology is being used leading the garden of Eden towards
a future of scientific progress and innovation.

Nairobi: The birth of a dormant potential.

Just outside Nairobi, a manufacturing revolution is being invested in, “Gearbox” which is a
training institution that focuses on imparting relevant hands-on skills through Human Centered
Design (HCD) and Industry 4.0 technologies, to promote digital literacy in engineering fields.
The company trains students to identify challenges in their society, then they come up with
effective and practical solutions for various problems. Embedded Systems is a discipline that
combines aspects of software and hardware computing. This involves using micro-controllers
and microprocessors such as AVR (Advanced Virtual RISC) controllers, ARM (Advanced RISC
Machine) processors to build integrated solutions. Engineer students or any other curious mind
can come and build prototypes of various items such as building a plastic electric circuit using
3D printing, laser cutting and metal working. These are just few of the tools presented to the
members of this institution. For those looking for advanced tools which are found in this
company, they can buy a membership for a 100$ a month which can gain you access to the
facility for a whole month, or 40$ a month gaining you access to 2 days a week for one month.
This allows the members to expand their skills and knowledge using the machines provided
inside the company; therefore, anyone interested in such thing can directly apply to the
membership.

From Conception to Production:  

Innovation isn’t just about having a good idea. Many inventors need to turn their ideas into
a physical reality, but the cost of the materials, electronics and machinery needed to build
a prototype can be prohibitive . Engineer Kamau Gachigi, took advantage of his knowledge
and went far beyond his degree; he considers his project to be compatible and consistent with
the 4th industrial revolution, meaning that not only the equipment inside the laboratory and inside
the workshop very productive, but it is according to the latest technology, one of the best and
most compact machines (accurate, fast, and the results, astonishing.). In my personal opinion,
whatever went through Kamau Gachigi’s mind was worth the shot; through this innovation, he
was able to secure and develop the ideas of young engineers while helping them go further
using his knowledge as a professional engineer. His go to sentence being “Think outside the
box, and be more bold” gives us the possibility to develop our self esteem and go to new
heights.  

In conclusion:
Africa HAS the potential to save itself. African people are just as intelligent. They have the
possibility to be leading the world with scientific innovation. It can be argued in fact, that Africa’s
setbacks were because of the interference of the west, through colonialism, puppet countries,
constant meddling and economic exploitation. Africa has the potential, but the exploitative
efforts of the west, fueled by greed and a lust for power that carry on to this day through
neocolonialism and racism, have more than stumped their progress, leaving the continent in
shambles. Engineer Kamau Gachigi believes that equipping Africa with tools will provide
undisputable help as long as the right thing is being done. This reliance on themselves for
scientific innovation will spearhead their improvement. This only leaves the responsibility of
such innovations and progress on the community, as they are now responsible for using this
new technology for the good of the people, as to not listen to the temptation of greed to sell
themselves for materialism.