At the Enkare Oltau Foundation, we often say that the “Heart” (Oltau) gives purpose to the “Water” (Enkare). Today, we are shouting from the rooftops to celebrate a member of our community who has perfectly embodied this philosophy.
We are incredibly proud to celebrate Jael Wainaina, an outstanding Enkarean volunteer, for emerging as a Winner of the Stars of Innovation: U.S.–Kenya AI Challenge, hosted by the U.S. Embassy Kenya.
The Challenge: AI for Real-World Impact
The competition was no small feat. It brought together 70 of Kenya’s brightest innovators with a singular mission: to build AI-powered solutions using American AI tools to solve the most pressing challenges in our society today.
Jael, a dedicated Data Science student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), rose to the occasion. Working in a talented team of five, she helped develop a prototype that could change the face of healthcare in Kenya and beyond.
The Innovation: Introducing “Medibora”
Jael’s team developed Medibora, an AI-powered maternal health platform designed to save lives during one of the most critical stages of a woman’s life: pregnancy.
Medibora isn’t just an app; it’s a lifeline. The solution consists of:
- A Wearable Device: This prototype monitors a mother’s vital signs in real-time.
- The AI Dashboard: Data from the wearable is transmitted to a central dashboard, providing continuous monitoring and early risk alerts for healthcare providers.
- Emergency GPS Tracking: If a mother is in trouble, the device uses GPS to allow emergency response teams to locate her instantly.
- Multilingual Voice Agent: Recognizing the need for accessibility, the platform features a voice agent in both English and Swahili, allowing mothers to ask questions and get help in the language they are most comfortable with.
The Heart Behind the Data
For Jael, this project wasn’t just about the technology—it was about #HUMANIZING the data. With many mothers still dying from preventable conditions, Jael believes that information is the most powerful tool we have.
“Information and data can create solutions that can be used by everyone,” Jael explains.
She sees data not as cold numbers on a screen, but as the key to ensuring that every mother has the chance to see her child grow. It is this mindset—service driven by compassion—that makes her a true Enkarean.
Celebrating the International Year of Volunteers
In this International Year of Volunteers, we are committed to amplifying the voices and achievements of our members. Jael’s win at the U.S.–Kenya AI Challenge is a powerful reminder of what happens when young people are given the platform to lead.
This is a win worth shouting about. As Jael and her team work to bring this prototype to life, the Enkare Oltau Foundation intends to offer all our support to see Medibora move from a dashboard to the doorsteps of the mothers who need it most.
Congratulations, Jael! You are the heartbeat of innovation.
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#Humanize #EnkareanSpotlight #StarsOfInnovation #AIforGood #MaternalHealth
The International Volunteer Year 2026 highlights the essential role volunteers play in advancing global goals, fostering resilience, and driving collective progress. Governments, organizations, and communities are encouraged to recognize and support volunteers by creating safe, inclusive environments and integrating volunteering into policies.
