Zetech University Students Unveil AI-driven Smart Gate Security System To Tackle Rising Insecurity In Kenya
Ian Cheruiyot, one of the students at Zetech University who have developed an advanced security system dubbed Smart Gate, which leverages the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to replace outdated, easily manipulated manual security systems.
By John Kamau
As Kenya continues to grapple with growing security threats, two innovative university students have stepped forward with a revolutionary solution aimed at transforming how institutions, government buildings, and private premises are secured.
Kelvin Mutungwa and Ian Cheruiyot, both students at Zetech University, have developed an advanced security system dubbed Smart Gate, which leverages the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to replace outdated, easily manipulated manual security systems.
Over the years, Kenya has invested billions in efforts to curb crime and bolster security.
However, many of the traditional systems remain vulnerable to human error, corruption, and technological obsolescence. It is within this context that the Smart Gate system has emerged as a timely and promising innovation.
“Our goal was to create a security solution that is not only intelligent and efficient but also scalable and adaptable to various institutions,” said Kelvin Mutungwa in an interview during Zetech University’s 7th Annual Research and Innovation Week.
“Security is no longer about padlocks and guards. It’s about real-time data, analytics, and automation,” he added.
The Smart Gate system integrates facial recognition technology with smart sensors and a centralized control system.
When a person approaches a secured entry point, the system scans their face, matches it against a database, and either grants or denies access based on pre-set parameters.
“What makes the system particularly powerful is its ability to collect, process, and store critical data. This data can be used by security agencies for tracking suspicious activity, identifying suspects, or even analyzing traffic patterns in and out of a location,” noted Mutungwa.
“Incorporating AI into physical security allows us to make proactive decisions,” said Ian Cheruiyot, co-developer of the project who added that “if someone unauthorized tries to gain access, the system doesn’t just deny entry—it alerts the relevant personnel in real-time and records the attempt.”
Despite the innovation and clear potential of Smart Gate, Mutungwa and Cheruiyot have faced funding obstacles that they say are their main hindrance to scaling the innovation to new heights.
“Building the system—from hardware to software—requires significant investment. We’ve developed a working prototype, but scaling it to meet national demand will need support,” Mutungwa explained.
They called on the government, private sector, and technology partners to back their innovation and help turn it into a commercially viable security solution.
“With adequate support, we believe Smart Gate can contribute significantly to national security,” added Cheruiyot
The innovation was one of the highlights of this year’s Research and Innovation Week at Zetech University, themed “Education for Sustainable Prosperity: Empowering Lives through Innovation.”
The event, running until Friday, May 30, 2025, has attracted academics, government officials, and industry leaders.
In attendance during the launch was Dr. Catherine Kyobutungi, Executive Director of the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) who praised the students’ ingenuity and highlighted the importance of supporting homegrown innovations.
“Kenya has an immense pool of young talent. What these students have done is proof that with the right environment, our youth can solve some of the continent’s most pressing problems,” said Dr. Kyobutungi
Looking ahead, the duo hopes to further refine their system, integrate more advanced features such as biometric scanning and license plate recognition, and eventually deploy Smart Gate in high-security areas such as airports, banks, and military installations.
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