Egerton University Showcases Revolutionary Bean Threshing Innovation at Nakuru Agricultural Society of Kenya Show 2023

Nakuru, Kenya - The Nakuru Agricultural Society of Kenya Show 2023 exhibition witnessed a groundbreaking innovation in the field of bean threshing, developed by Dr. Wamalwa Patrick as a project he used in the path to attain his Doctorate degree.

The innovative solution was showcased at the Nakuru ASK Show through a research assistant Mr  William Kemei from the Industrial Energy department, faculty of Engineering of Egerton University,

Kemei explained bit by bit about the aims of the innovation to address the long-standing challenge of threshing and winnowing beans, which has discouraged many farmers from engaging in large-scale farming.

"Threshing can be  tedious  and the process of cleaning the bean seed through winnowing proving an uphill," he explained . Thanks to this innovation.

Mr William Kemei at the Egerton University stand Showcases Revolutionary Bean Threshing Innovation at Nakuru Agricultural Society of Kenya Show 2023. (Photo: Kurian Musa/Egerton University)

Traditionally, the process of threshing and winnowing beans has been laborious and time-consuming, hindering the productivity and profitability of farmers. However, with this new invention, farmers can now enjoy a more efficient and effective method of threshing their beans, encouraging them to engage in larger farming operations.

The innovation, which has been named the "BeanThresher," can process an impressive five bags of 90 kilograms per hour, powered by just a single liter of petrol. This remarkable output demonstrates the efficiency and effectiveness of the BeanThresher in streamlining the bean threshing process, revolutionizing the industry.

Aneck Agisa, a research assistant involved in the project, spoke about the capabilities of the Bean Thresher, saying, "This machine is capable of threshing and winnowing five bags of beans per hour, using just one liter of petrol. It is a significant improvement over traditional methods, as it saves time, labor, and resources for farmers."

As the brain behind this game-changing innovation,  Dr. Wamalwa Patrick  developed the technology during his research for his PhD at Egerton University.

He has continued to engage to find agricultural solutions through research. His relentless efforts and dedication to finding a solution to the labor-intensive bean threshing process have culminated in this ground-breaking invention, which has the potential to transform the agricultural landscape in Kenya.

The Bean Thresher, is presently in its third generation. It has undergone rigorous testing and trials to ensure its reliability and effectiveness. Field trials were conducted in Ukambani, where a farmer with a large plantation of beans utilized the machine.

"The trials yielded promising results, further affirming the potential of the BeanThresher to revolutionize bean farming in Kenya and beyond," explained Mr. Agisa.

He detailed the price of the Bean Thresher to be Ksh. 170,000 per machine.

The Bean Thresher offers an affordable and sustainable solution to the age-old problem of bean threshing. With its ability to significantly increase productivity and reduce labor requirements, this innovation has the potential to empower farmers and stimulate the growth of the agricultural sector in Kenya.

The Nakuru Agricultural Society of Kenya Show 2023 served as a platform to showcase this groundbreaking technology, attracting the attention of farmers, agricultural experts, and industry stakeholders. The Bean Thresher's debut at the exhibition has generated widespread excitement and anticipation for its potential impact on the agricultural community.

As farmers in Kenya continue to face challenges in their agricultural endeavors, innovative solutions like the BeanThresher highlight the invaluable contributions of researchers and inventors in driving progress and creating a sustainable future for the country's agriculture sector.

By;Musa Kurian -Directorate of Marketing and Resource Mobilization