Four Data Science students from the University of Nairobi (UoN) Chiromo Campus have walked away with Ksh100,000 and an 80% scholarship after clinching top honours at the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Youth Summit Hackathon 2026, impressing judges with a data-driven proposal to redesign how Kenyan households pay for electricity.
The winning team, comprising Shallettee, Talia, Alvin and Levis, developed an Electricity Tariff Structure Design proposal in response to a hackathon challenge that asked participants to rethink residential electricity tariffs using data variables beyond consumption levels, with the goal of protecting vulnerable consumers while ensuring utility sustainability.
EPRA said the Authority would support the students’ proposal through further research and development, signaling that the work could potentially inform future regulatory policy on electricity pricing in Kenya.
ALSO READ:
Otiende calls for parliamentary probe into school unrest, questions impact of internet on learners
The prize money was presented to the students as a cheque courtesy of Unicaf, which also awarded the team an 80% scholarship towards a course of their choice to support their academic and professional growth.
The hackathon was hosted as part of EPRA’s 7th Regional Research and Innovation Conference (RIC), an annual gathering that convenes researchers, regulators, students and technology practitioners to generate actionable insights for the energy and petroleum sector.
Speaking during the event, EPRA Acting Director General Dr. Eng. Joseph Oketch encouraged young people to embrace innovation, noting that society will always reward solutions that address real-world challenges.
By Benedict Aoya
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
