KENYAN INNOVATOR DEVELOPS SMART TECHNOLOGY TO COMBAT DENTAL FLOSS IN CHILDREN.
BY BENARD MULWA.
A new, innovative technology aimed at combating dental floss, a common oral health issue affecting children in Kenya, has been developed by Dr. Moses Ollengo, a senior lecturer at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology and CEO of Maismart Technology. This groundbreaking device, designed to prevent dental floss, could potentially improve the quality of life for millions of Kenyan children.
Dental floss, caused by bacterial plaque and fluoride contamination, leads to gum inflammation and is a major concern in Kenya, where the World Health Organization (WHO) 2015 report identified high oral disease rates among children. According to the survey, 40% of Kenyan children suffer from gum disease, contributing to a significant oral health burden.
Dr. Ollengo’s smart device, which integrates Internet of Things (IoT) technology, is designed to detect and purify contaminated drinking water—one of the primary causes of dental floss. "Many school-going children affected by dental floss struggle with low self-esteem, often refraining from smiling or engaging with their classmates, which can impact their academic performance," Dr. Ollengo explains.
The technology works by using a chromotropic color-change mechanism to assess the quality of water. If the water is found to be unsafe or toxic, the device will turn red. If the water meets the World Health Organization’s standards for safe drinking, the device will show a green color. In addition, the device is equipped with a filter to purify the water if needed, ensuring that families and children have access to safe drinking water.
There are two versions of the device: the domestic pack, which can be installed at home to purify water for the whole family, and the safari pack, a portable version that allows individuals to test the quality of water while traveling. "The domestic pack can handle up to five gallons of water per hour, making it ideal for household use," Dr. Ollengo adds. The safari pack offers a convenient solution for those on the move, ensuring safe drinking water wherever they go.
Dr. Ollengo began developing this technology in 2018 and has since created a functional prototype, with some products already in use by customers. However, due to limited production capacity, he is seeking partnerships to expand manufacturing and distribution. The potential market for the device is vast, with Dr. Ollengo estimating a $15 billion global market and a potential Kenyan market of 532 million people who could benefit from the technology.
The devices are priced at Ksh 4,000 for the domestic pack and Ksh 2,500 for the safari pack. The filters need to be replaced every six months, while the sensor requires replacement annually. With many potential customers already showing interest, Dr. Ollengo is now calling for investors and partners to help scale up production and meet the growing demand for this innovative solution.
This technology represents a major step toward improving public health in Kenya, where millions of children are affected by unsafe water and dental health issues. Dr. Ollengo's vision is to empower communities with access to safe drinking water and better oral health, ultimately fostering improved well-being and academic success for children across the country.
For more information or to explore partnership opportunities, contact Maismart Technology.
