An innovation by three University students has excelled at the Presidential Innovation Challenge Awards under the University category.
Brian Mtana,Joy Mwende and Paul Wako who are IT students at Zetech University successfully pitched their groundbreaking innovation dubbed as Tugawe Feedback.
The innovation which is an AI-powered, real-time customer feedback solution is designed to revolutionize Kenya’s hospitality industry.
It works by integrating seamlessly with mobile payment systems such as Lipa Na Mpesa, enabling mid-sized restaurants and hotels in urban and semi-urban areas to efficiently collect, analyze, and act on customer insights—all through WhatsApp.
What set Tugawe Feedback apart and gain prominence at the Presidential Innovation Challenge is its ability to enhance the efficiency of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and also integrate technology and AI insights.
The innovation automatically prompts customers for feedback just after payment transactions, and uses AI to categorize and analyze the feedback, providing actionable recommendations.
ALSO READ:
By harnessing the power of AI and digital innovation, Tugawe Feedback empowers businesses to enhance customer satisfaction, build brand loyalty, and make data-driven decisions to stay ahead in a competitive market, as a tailor-made solution for Kenya’s rapidly growing hospitality sector.
“Tugawe Feedback innovative platform harnesses the power of AI-driven automation and seamless payment integration to revolutionize how businesses collect and understand customer experiences. When a customer completes a transaction using Lipa na M-Pesa, our system immediately triggers a personalized WhatsApp feedback request, enabling restaurants and hotels to effortlessly gather, categorize, and analyze real-time customer insights,” Mwende said in an interview.
She noted that the intelligent approach not only enhances customer interaction but also empowers businesses with actionable data, turning every transaction into a strategic opportunity for growth, service improvement, and personalized marketing.
“At Tugawe Feedback, we are redefining the art of listening transforming customer feedback from a passive process into a dynamic, intelligent conversation that drives meaningful business evolution, ” she said.
The University Vice Chancellor Prof Njenga Munene said, “Seeing our students passionately present their vision was truly inspiring. Their dedication and teamwork showcase the power of student-led innovation in addressing real-world business challenges. The University continues to empower the young generation to find solutions to world problems, and this we do passionately at the Zetech University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub (iZet Hub),”
Prof. Alice Njuguna, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Research and Student Affairs said that the iZet Hub incubate ideas, design and rethink solutions that can impact the society while focusing on fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and technological advancement.
ALSO READ:
Kaimosi Varsity celebrates as Jane Imbunya lands top government job
Recently Zetech University’s iZet Hub has incubated ideas including the Totsi Cables which is now a leading cables manufacturing company in Kirinyaga, Alex Cane a specialised cane for persons with visual impairment, Smart Pest Deterrent System, a solutions that uses technology to keep away pests from farms – a solution that gained the attention of Kenya Airport Authority, the AirSafi, that measure the air quality index enhancing environmental awareness on pollution levels, and many more.
The University extended its gratitude to the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA) and the Presidential Innovation Challenge and Awards team at the event for providing a platform that nurtures young innovators and promotes these transformative solutions.
The Tugawe Feedback by Zetech University students is set to shape the future of Kenya’s hospitality industry, after receiving considerable attention of players in the hospitality industry.
The three students are working to secure funding and support to scale-up their innovation for the betterment of the society.
By Kamau Njoroge
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
