A 28-year-old Zetech University graduate has unveiled Kenyan-made phone charging cables designed to rival unreliable imports during the institution’s Innovation Week.
Anthony Muthungu, a teacher and founder of TotoSci Holdings Ltd, revealed that his decision to venture into manufacturing phone charging cables was born out of personal frustration after repeatedly buying charging cables that turned out to be faulty as well as the scarcity of reliable, affordable mobile charging cables in the Kenyan market.
After graduating from Zetech University, Muthungu said he returned to his rural roots in Kiangwaci, Kirinyaga County, where he established TotoSci, a tech startup that not only manufactures USB cables but also develops assistive devices using cutting-edge technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and assistive software.
“I was tired of spending money on cables that barely lasted. That’s when I decided to design and produce my own cables, ensuring they meet quality standards and can be trusted by consumers,” Anthony explained.
His company now manufactures durable charging and data transfer cables that are fully made in Kenya, offering a guaranteed alternative to the unreliable imports flooding the market.
Muthungu called on the government to support local innovation by creating a more conducive production environment. “The cost of electricity and fuel is too high, and taxation on locally manufactured electronics is unsustainable,” he said.
He urged policymakers to reduce production costs to empower more young people to venture into tech manufacturing and innovation.
The innovation week, themed “Education for Sustainable Prosperity: Empowering Lives through Innovation,” attracted industry leaders, policymakers, and academics.
Zetech University Vice Chancellor Prof. Njenga Munene commended Muthungu’s initiative and reiterated the institution’s commitment to safeguarding student innovations.
“We have enforced stringent measures to prevent the theft of student innovations by ensuring proper registration with relevant authorities,” said Prof. Munene during the exhibition.
