How Ngala secondary school for the deaf stole the show at Tech challenge

When Ngala Secondary School for the Deaf entered the demonstration center at the Tech challenge, led by their teacher, anticipation and curiosity were clearly written on their faces.

Fluent in sign language, the students moved with excitement some signing animatedly, others pointing toward the rig setups as they were guided to the one where they would showcase their prototype.

Clutching their carefully crafted device, they attentively followed their teacher’s instructions and observed the judges’ cues, absorbing everything through visual cues, facial expressions, and body language. 

As the rig picked up their prototype, a few students instinctively closed their eyes, bringing their hands together in silent prayer. But just before launch, the prototype dropped unexpectedly, sparking a wave of anxiety. 

Their teacher quickly reassured them, signing calmly that it wasn’t over they still had more chances.

With the steady support of their teacher and volunteers, the students regrouped. This time, the prototype was successfully launched.

Though the coin missed the target, the disappointment was briefly visible until the audience applauded, expressed in sign language. 

At that moment, their faces lit up, and they celebrated, proud of what they had accomplished.

It was a powerful and heartwarming moment marking the first time a special school had participated in the Tech Challenge, and reminding everyone that innovation and courage know no limits. 

Students from Ngala Secondary School for the Deaf were among other students from across Nakuru County who gathered for this year’s Tech Challenge at Kingdom International School.

The event began with participants weighing their devices before heading to the judging area. There, teams had the opportunity to present their innovations to a panel of judges, explaining the journey behind their ideas and the process that brought their concepts to life. 

Judges engaged the students with questions, pushing them to show how their innovations could address real-world problems.

After the presentations, teams moved to the demonstration center where the atmosphere was electric. 

Nine test rigs were set up, each team assigned to one and as the countdown began, the rigs released the innovations down elevated ramps simulating emergency supply drops. If a coin representing the "supply" landed in the designated green zone, it meant success. 

Each successful launch was met with loud cheers, jubilant dances, and hugs from team members. On the other hand, missed targets brought visible disappointment.

Fortunately, teams had two chances to demonstrate their designs, and many used their second attempt to redeem themselves, and the joy on their faces when their innovations succeeded was undeniable. 

Their inclusion marked a significant milestone for the competition and was met with admiration.

The 2025 theme, Drop & Dash, was grounded in a real-world crisis - the ongoing drought in Turkana County. With emergency supplies often dropped from planes and drones into inaccessible areas, students were challenged to create devices that could ensure precise delivery of aid.

The event itself was notably well-organized, with clearly labeled zones for different activities, making it easy for visitors and participants to follow along. 

This year’s challenge drew participation from 290 schools and over 2,450 students across Nakuru.

In the awards category, Mai Mahiu Boys took home the overall outstanding team award, while Moi Forces Academy was recognized for the overall outstanding journal. 

Enaiposha Girls earned accolades for the best engineering journal, and Dundori Secondary School was celebrated for outstanding engineering design. Menengai High School impressed with two teams winning the outstanding device performance award. 

The judges’ inspiration award went to Ngala Secondary Special School and Siwot Girls Secondary School while Woodard Secondary School won best coin delivery (judges’ choice), Kahuho Secondary School received recognition for their innovative wheel design.

The outstanding team spirit award was jointly awarded to Mary Mount Girls Secondary School and Arimi Secondary School from Molo Sub-county.

The 2025 Tech Challenge was a celebration of creativity, inclusion, and the hope that innovation can offer to real-world problems.