8 Great Inventions by African People & Explore Mombasa Kenya

22.02.2023

“The nerve of the world has been deadened for centuries to the vibrations of African genius.” – Ivan Van Sertima.

Most people would assume that the greatest inventions in history came from America if asked to trace their origins. On the other hand, the African continent is the source of many useful creations. What are some of the best African discoveries that have altered the course of history?

The Greeks, Romans, and other white people dominate the vast majority of talks on the origins of science. In fact, the majority of their discoveries were made thousands of years after African advances. The world’s earliest record of human invention is found in Africa. The country is known for its innovative advances in astronomy, engineering, metallurgy, and more. You might be surprised to learn that the country created some of the greatest inventions in human history.

Back in the 1900s, African inventors like Granville Woods improved the railroads and Marie Brown invented the first-ever home security system. Modern-day inventors like Richard Turere made a light system to scare away lions and Gabriel Nderitu attempted the first airplane made in Kenya.

African girls carrying Calabashes.

Image credit – W. Robert Moore/National Geographic.

One of the most iconic inventions by African people is the calabash, a type of gourd that is used to store water. This ancient invention was first used by the Nubian people of the Nile Valley, who used the calabashes to carry water across the desert. The calabash has since become an important part of African culture, and it is still used in many parts of the continent today.

African inventors have created a wealth of amazing inventions that have changed the world for the better. Their creativity and persistence have made them an inspiring example of how to use the technology of Kenya to solve problems and improve lives.

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8 Great Inventions by African People You Should Know

Kenyans have a great deal of creativity, and they quickly adopt new tech. The nation has many tech hubs that support innovation. The educational system also gives people the abilities needed to produce magic on their own. Finding things to do in Mombasa? Why not book a hotel in Mombasa? Keep reading. But before that, discover a few inventions by African people that emerged in Kenya.

1. Lion Lights

Richard Turere is a young innovator from Kenya who is famous for his invention of lion lights. This invention has had a remarkable and positive impact on his community, prompting people from all over the world to recognize his efforts. Lion lights are an ingenious solution to a complex problem. Lions roaming the plains of Kenya often attack and kill livestock, leading to economic losses for the Maasai community.

To deter the big cats from attacking, Richard came up with the idea of setting up a perimeter of blinking lights around the village. The lights are powered by solar energy and turn on and off randomly, thus creating an illusion of human activity, which scares away the lions. After setting up the lights, Richard saw a dramatic reduction in lion attacks.

Richard Turere with his famous invention – Lion Lights.

Image credit – https://shellypollock.com/

He received numerous awards and recognition for his invention. Being one of the top inventions by African people, it has now been adopted by many other Maasai tribes. Apart from providing protection to the tribe, Turere’s invention has also been a major factor in the conservation of lions in Kenya. As people are more secure in their villages, they are more likely to support conservation efforts.

2. M-pesa Mobile Money Transfer App

M-Pesa in Kenya is a mobile money transfer app that is designed to make it easy to transfer money, manage funds, and make payments safely and securely. It is the most popular mobile payment system in Kenya and has become increasingly popular in other African countries. The app is not only fast, secure, and easy to use but also one of the best inventions by African people.

It allows users to transfer money quickly and securely to any mobile phone number, even if the recipient is not an M-Pesa user. Users can also make payments for goods and services, pay bills, and even purchase airtime. With M-Pesa, users can save money, manage their finances efficiently, and make payments and transfers without the need for a bank account.

3. Kenyan Jewelry & Décor Items

A Maasai woman wearing Kenyan beaded jewelry.
Image credit – breeganjane.com

When it comes to décor and jewelry, Kenya has a lot to offer and many inventions by African people have made it unique. From intricate handmade beaded jewelry to elaborate wall hangings, Kenyan craftsmanship is admired around the world. The beaded jewelry of Kenya is made from recycled glass beads and other materials. It is colorful and unique, with each piece having a story to tell. The beads are crafted into intricate necklaces, earrings, and other decor items.

Kenya is also well-known for its beautiful wall hangings made from a variety of materials like bamboo, palm leaves, and coconut shells. Each piece is different, whether it’s of a traditional Kenyan design or a modern form.

Kenyan artisans are also known for their basket weaving. These hand-woven baskets (Kiondos and Kikapus) are usually made from natural materials such as palm leaves, sisal grass, and banana leaves. The result is a beautiful, durable basket in a range of unique designs and colors.

4. Timeless Kikoy Fabric

Maasai tribe wearing Kikoy.

Image credit – tsavonationalparkkenya

Kikoy is a traditional fabric used in Kenya. It is handwoven from cotton and comes in various colors and designs. The fabric is used to make traditional clothing, such as Kikoy trousers, skirts, tops, and dresses. It is often used to make accessories such as bags, scarves, and hats as well. Kikoy fabric is very popular in Kenya and is seen as a symbol of local culture and tradition. It is well-liked among tourists and locals alike, who appreciate its beauty and durability.

5. Leleshwa Wine & Tusker Beer

Leleshwa Wine is a semi-sweet, white wine made from the Leleshwa grape, which is native to Kenya and one of the greatest inventions by African people. It is a light-bodied wine with floral and citrus aromas, as well as subtle notes of honey and tropical fruit. On the palate, it has a light acidity and a creamy texture.

The flavors of the wine are delicate and balanced, with notes of melon, green apple, white peach, and green tea. Leleshwa Wine pairs well with lighter dishes such as fish, chicken, and salads. It is also great as an aperitif and makes a wonderful dessert wine.

Tusker Beer is an iconic beer brand in Kenya, brewed since 1922 by East African Breweries Limited. It is one of the most popular beers in the country, consumed by millions of Kenyans at social gatherings, restaurants, and bars. The beer is made from quality malted barley, hops, and yeast, and is a light and refreshing lager.

It has a golden color and a malty flavor, with a slightly sweet finish and a mild bitterness. It is also low in alcohol content and can be enjoyed with a variety of foods. Tusker Beers are a staple of Kenyan culture and are sure to bring a unique and enjoyable experience to any social occasion. Want to know the Tusker beer price in Kenya? It is KSH 200 for 500ml.

6. Airplane Made in Kenya

The country saw the launch of its first home-grown airplane by Gabriel Nderitu more than 8 years ago. It is perhaps one of the most sought-after inventions by African people. This aircraft is the first of its kind in East Africa and the instructions for building the collapsible two-seater propeller plane were downloaded from Wikipedia.

The 42-year-old IT engineer has constructed his own aircraft using a Toyota Corolla’s engine, Mini’s wheels, and a professed grasp of the lift equation. It is an amazing journey from Project 1 to 14. Project 14 now resembles something out of a child’s Meccano set; it is painted purple, has yellow wooden wheels, a red wooden control panel, and the kind of plastic switches used to turn on lights in homes. This is eight years after Nderitu began working on Project One.

7. iCow App for Farmers

Creating an app to help farmers manage their business operations can be a great way to increase their productivity and efficiency. The iCow app for farmers is one of the more recent inventions by African people. offers tools to help them manage their land and finances, as well as track their livestock and their health.

The app uses a GPS-based map of their land, allowing farmers to track the movements of their animals and the activities taking place on their land. The app can provide detailed financial analytics, helping farmers to know their expenses and incomes as well. And to track the profitability of their operations.

The app can also provide reminders and notifications to help farmers stay up to date with the latest industry news and regulations. As well as provide them with access to expert advice whenever needed. Finally, the app can integrate with other third-party services, such as weather and market data, to ensure farmers are always informed and prepared for any eventuality.

8. M-Kopa for Small Firms

M-KOPA is one of the innovative financial inventions by African people that have transformed small business financing in Africa. This tech-driven system offers a range of benefits to small business owners, such as access to working capital, increased efficiency, and improved cash flow. With M-KOPA, business owners can access short-term loans at competitive interest rates, and even receive capital advances and more.

M-KOPA also provides value-added services, such as free advice and training for business owners. It is a streamlined system that allows business owners to apply for loans quickly and securely. The system also allows borrowers to set up payment plans at their own convenience, and to pay off their loans over time.

The platform also offers a host of other benefits, such as digital record-keeping, tracking of loan history, and automated reminders when payments are due. For business owners, M-KOPA can provide access to resources and know-how that can help them succeed and grow their firms.

Now let’s take a look at one of the most sought-after beach hotels in Mombasa Kenya. Also, it is one of the best places to visit in Mombasa.

Stay in Mombasa to Discover Great Inventions by African People

Do you want to make a hotel booking in Mombasa? Looking for reasonable Mombasa hotel prices? Travellers Beach Hotel and Club in Mombasa is one of the best hotels in the north coast of Mombasa and an ideal spot for a tropical getaway. Located right on the Indian Ocean, Travellers Beach Hotel and Club offers luxurious rooms and suites, many leisure activities, and a unique atmosphere. Look no further for luxury hotel rooms in Mombasa! The rooms and suites are decorated with African accents and each one has AC, satellite TV, and more while some have private balconies with stunning views of the sea. Going to Kenya for your honeymoon and looking for romantic places to visit in Mombasa? Book our honeymoon suites.

It has some of the best conference rooms in the city. With ultra-modern facilities, spacious seating, and tailored snacks, the hotel is the perfect venue for conferences, weddings, and private parties. The hotel staff provides any assistance needed to make the event successful.

Explore the Best Conference Venues in Kenya

Looking for nice places to visit in Mombasa or places to eat in Mombasa? It is one of the best family hotels in Mombasa and a great place to explore a wide range of restaurants and the best bars in Mombasa. There is something for everyone from the Safina Restaurant to Pwani Kofi Bar.

Those looking for the best seafood in Mombasa can also check out Suli Suli Grill. For a truly unique experience, try out the Msafiri and Kisima Bars or one of the famous (Sher e Punjab) Indian restaurants in Mombasa. For spaghetti and pizza cravings, try our (La Pergola) Italian restaurant in Mombasa.

Try Delicious Seafood Restaurants in Mombasa

Being one of the top hotels in Mombasa Kenya, it also features the best gym in Mombasa, 3 large pools, as well as an opulent spa in Kenya. Guests can relax by the pool and enjoy the sun, or try water sports in Kenya like windsurfing, fishing, kayaking, and deep sea diving in Mombasa.

With its excellent facilities and attentive service, it is truly one of the unique beach hotels on Mombasa’s north coast for a stress-free holiday. Mombasa and sub-counties in Mombasa are also great to discover amazing inventions by African people as mentioned above.

Enjoy Large Swimming Pools in Mombasa

Inventions by African People Have Helped Millions

The world has improved thanks to these great inventions by African people. To solve human problems on the continent, the majority of these inventions were produced out of necessity. On the other hand, some inventions transformed or simplified a previously challenging process.

There are many people in Mombasa who are also coming up with life-changing inventions. Mombasa also has many tech hubs and people here don’t shy away from using recent and prevailing inventions from medieval times. Are you traveling to Mombasa? Unable to find Mombasa beach hotels? Looking for Mombasa beach hotel contacts? Get in touch to stay at Travellers Beach Hotel and Club, the top-rated accommodation in Mombasa town, where you can experience these inventions as the locals do.