As Kenya grapples with complex and rising security threats, two Zetech University students have unveiled a powerful solution: an AI-driven Smart Gate security system that could transform how institutions and public spaces are protected.
Innovation from Kenya’s next generation of tech leaders
Kelvin Mutungwa and Ian Cheruiyot, both Computer Science students at Zetech University, are behind the innovation. Their Smart Gate system leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to offer a modern, efficient, and tamper-proof alternative to outdated manual security checks.
“We’re not just building gates—we’re building intelligent security infrastructure,” said Mutungwa during the university’s 7th Annual Research and Innovation Week.
How the Smart Gate system works
The Smart Gate integrates:
- Facial recognition to verify individuals
- Smart sensors to monitor movement
- A centralized control system for surveillance and alerts
When a person approaches an entry point, the system scans their face and compares it against a secure database. If authorized, access is granted; if not, entry is denied and alerts are triggered.
This approach is aligned with global trends where facial recognition and IoT are transforming security, like Singapore’s AI surveillance systems and Amazon’s AI-powered Ring security.
The system can:
- Block unauthorized access in real-time
- Log entries and suspicious attempts
- Provide data for law enforcement and traffic analytics
- Integrate into larger national surveillance systems
Prototype ready, funding needed
Although the prototype is operational, the project has hit a financial roadblock. Cheruiyot noted that without external funding, scaling the Smart Gate for nationwide deployment remains a challenge.
“Hardware and AI integration is costly. We’re asking for support from government bodies and the private sector to help us scale this nationally,” Cheruiyot said.
The developers hope to partner with Kenya’s Ministry of Interior and the Communications Authority of Kenya—which oversees cybersecurity policy (Source)—to pilot the system in critical government installations.
Zetech University backs student innovations
According to Zetech University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof Alice Njuguna, the institution has allocated Sh10 million to support student innovations.
“Solutions like Smart Gate show how local talent can solve national issues. We’re proud to invest in our students,” she told KBC.
Zetech’s 2025 Research Week was themed “Education for Sustainable Prosperity: Empowering Lives through Innovation”, aligning with Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals and the Digital Economy Blueprint (Source).
Read Also: Kenyan Startup Develops AI Surveillance System to Boost Border Security
A step toward smarter, safer public spaces
As Kenya digitizes its economy and infrastructure, Smart Gate presents a scalable homegrown innovation. From educational institutions and malls to government buildings and transport hubs, the potential applications are vast.
With more investments and mentorship, systems like Smart Gate could soon play a central role in Kenya’s national security strategy, complementing existing efforts like the National Integrated Identity Management System (NIIMS).
