Marrieta Kazungu

Marrieta Kazungu, a student from rural Kenya, has received several notable awards and recognition for her achievements. She was named the Young Scientists Kenya winner in 2021 and won the Rise Project competition in 2022. Additionally, she excelled in the Diamond Challenge pitching challenge for high schools and emerged as the champion of the Great Debaters of St. Thomas Girls in 2022. Marrieta was also honored as the Kenya Innovation Agency Student of the Year in 2021. 

Marrieta's most significant accomplishment is the development of a groundbreaking biomedical device for detecting and testing respiratory infections like COVID-19. Her passion for science and innovation has driven her to make a positive impact on the lives of her peers and society. She has inspired and motivated girls in high schools to embrace science and innovation, offering solutions to improve healthcare in her community. 

In terms of academic achievements, Marrieta represented Kenya in the BT Young Scientist of Ireland exhibition in 2023 and received a scholarship award at Strathmore University for her outstanding innovation and research during Young Scientists Kenya. She also represented her school in the Annual Innovation Week organized by the Kenya Innovation Agency and was recognized as the student of the year in science and innovation. 

Marrieta has made a significant mark on her student community through her leadership in the science and innovation club at her school. The club provides opportunities for students to develop the right attitude towards science-related subjects and engage in projects that address community health issues. She has also established a psychosocial welfare movement club to support students facing social and psychological challenges. 

Marrieta's contributions extend beyond her immediate community. She launched the "Let's Kick Malnutrition Out of Kilifi" campaign, which raised awareness about the dangers of malnutrition and provided immune-boosting products to vulnerable children and families. She has partnered with organizations like AfyaBoost Care to address nutritional health challenges in rural areas. Her story has gained international recognition through participation in summits, exhibitions, and media coverage. 

Despite facing significant barriers such as poverty, gender inequality, and limited access to technology, Marrieta has overcome these obstacles with determination. She has excelled academically and made her mark in the field of science and innovation. Marrieta's creativity and innovative contributions include her groundbreaking biomedical device and her continuous efforts to find solutions to community health issues. 

Marrieta is not only fostering change in her community but also promoting global cooperation. Through the Rise Project, she has formed a global network with fellow winners, fostering cultural diversity, sharing innovation experiences, and enhancing academic networking. The prize funds would be used to support her community health programs, empower girls and young women, and scale up her biomedical kit for commercialization.