MERU, Kenya – A groundbreaking low-cost diagnostic machine developed at Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) is drawing national and international attention, with experts hailing it as a potential game changer for healthcare across Africa.
The device — the OpenFlexure Microscope (OFM) — was the star attraction during the MUST Innovation and Exhibition Week. Fully open-source and 3D-printed, the microscope integrates artificial intelligence to deliver high-precision disease screening, offering an affordable lifeline to underserved health facilities.
According to Dr. Daniel Maitethia, Head of the Department of Physical Sciences at MUST, the innovation responds directly to Kenya’s urgent need for accessible diagnostics.
“Diagnostic microscopy is critical for malaria and cancer detection but remains inaccessible in many African regions due to high costs, maintenance needs, and shortage of skilled personnel. Existing digital pathology systems cost tens of thousands of dollars,” he said.
In contrast, the locally developed OFM merges advanced optics, robotics, and machine learning to produce accurate results at a fraction of the cost. While commercial slide scanners used in cancer diagnosis can cost up to KSh 5 million, the MUST version is projected to cost about KSh 30,000, making it one of the most affordable digital pathology tools ever produced in the region.
“That would be a big changer because with this equipment, clinics could perform rapid diagnosis and send images to pathologists remotely for review. This can drastically cut costs and save lives,” Dr. Maitethia added. He noted that with adequate funding, local manufacturing could make the microscope widely accessible.
The project is being implemented in partnership with the University of Glasgow and the University of Cambridge, with support from InnovateUK and the Academy of Medical Sciences.
Caroline Gakii, a Master’s student in Data Science at MUST involved in the project, described the initiative as “a very exciting innovation” that could significantly boost disease detection in rural hospitals where diagnostic equipment is scarce.
Beyond the AI microscope, the Innovation Week showcased several homegrown solutions, including a chewing gum, tea-infusion bag, energy drink, and wine derived from the stimulant miraa — innovations that reflect the university’s focus on value addition and agritech research.
MUST Vice-Chancellor Prof. Romanus Odhiambo praised the growing culture of innovation at the institution.
“We are celebrating the fourth Innovation and Exhibition Week, a journey that began four years ago. We’re proud of the impressive research outcomes from our students, faculty, and partner institutions,” he said.
He emphasized that the university’s Research, Innovation, Commercialization, and Extension (RISE) agenda ensures that every invention delivers tangible impact to communities.
With the OpenFlexure Microscope now attracting global interest, MUST’s breakthrough could mark a pivotal moment for African-led medical innovation — and a major step toward democratizing healthcare diagnostics across the continent.
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