Robotics Innovation in Kenya as an Opportunity for Industrial Growth: Challenges and Prospects for TVET Institutions and Universities

Kibor, Singoei James ; Makworo Edwin, Obwoge;

Advances in science and technology in the world today have led to major innovations to overcome the challenges experienced
by various economies in the quest for economic growth and development. Several countries have embarked on multibillion
projects and educational programs in order to equip their citizens with relevant skills to enhance development. The field of
robotics has commanded a lot of attention in the current decade and is considered one of the breakthroughs that is currently
revolutionizing the world. Many tasks that were performed by human beings before are now performed by autonomous
mechanical machines controlled by programs embedded in small microchips. In Kenya, the field of robotics has currently
drawn a lot of interest since the inception of robotic competitions in 2010 among TVET institutions and universities at
regional and national level. Students under the guidance of lecturers have always embarked on the design of autonomous
robots to meet set out design standards and guidelines in order to execute designated tasks during competition. Being a new
area of innovation, institutions and design teams have been faced with major challenges in this endeavor. This paper reviews
challenges experienced by TVET institutions and design teams and gives insights and recommendations on how to curb this
challenges.