The Internet of Things (IoT) has been underestimated by many individuals especially here in Kenya despite its pervasive presence in our lives. While the term "Internet of Things" can be traced back to around 1999, the concept itself is not novel. Nevertheless, we currently find ourselves on the brink of a groundbreaking era of data connectivity that surpasses anything previously witnessed with the widespread use of mobile devices. This remarkable potential holds immense possibilities for both consumer and enterprise innovation.

A short and sweet explanation of the Internet of Things (IoT) can be found on Wikipedia as follows:

the network of physical objects — devices, vehicles, buildings and other items — embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity that enables these objects to collect and exchange da

Practically, means installing micro-sensors and controllers on things to make them ‘smart,’ i.e. allowing everyday devices to communicate and share data to some sort of network. Anything that can produce data can be considered IoT, practically EVERYTHING in our natural and unnatural world: nano-technology in human tissue, smart parking meters, RFID devices, smart homes, drones, smart watches, smart cars, health monitors, and sensors for every industrial application on earth.

Why is IoT hot cake ?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is currently gaining significant attention for several reasons. One of the main factors is the advancement in low-power chipsets, which now come with built-in WiFi and 3G/4G and even 5G connectivity. These chipsets have become smaller, more powerful, and more cost-effective to produce. This development has made it easier to embed connectivity into a wide range of devices, driving the proliferation of IoT.

Additionally, the cost of building and maintaining the software networks required for IoT devices to communicate has decreased significantly in recent years. This reduction in costs has made it more feasible for businesses and consumers to adopt IoT solutions.

Furthermore, there have been notable consumer integrations that have captured the public's imagination. Examples such as smart speed governors in kenya produced by Numeral IOT or Tesla's introduction of an interactive vehicle display back in 2013, have showcased the potential of IoT in enhancing daily life.

The increasing prevalence of consumer drones, the ability to stream home security videos in real-time through mobile phones, and the emergence of smartwatches that monitor health while providing communication functionalities have further contributed to the buzz around IoT.

What are some applications of IoT?

1.Smart Homes: IoT devices are used to create smart homes, where interconnected devices such as thermostats, lighting systems, security cameras, and appliances can be controlled and automated. This enables increased convenience, energy efficy, and sity.

2.Industrial IoT): In industries like manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture, IoT is revolutionizing operations. Connected sensors and devices monitor machinery, optimize production processes, track inventory, enable predictive maintenance, and enhance overall productivity and cost saving

3.Healthcare: IoT des are transforming healthcare by enabling remote patient monitoring, wearable health trackers, and smart medical devices. These advancements enhance patient care, enable early intervention, and reduce hospital sessions.

4.Agriculture : applications in agriculture include precision farming, where sensors monitor soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels to optimize irrigation and fertilizer usage. Livestock monitoring, crop health monitoring, and automated farming systems are also being implemented.

5.Environmental Monitoring: devices are used for monitoring and managing environmental conditions such as air quality, water quality, and weather conditions. This data helps in making informed decisions and taking timely actions to mitigate environmental resources.

Some other applications worth mentioning : Smart Cities, transport and logistics, Energy management and retail and supply chain management.

Kenya's position in the world of IoT

In recent years, Kenya has witnessed remarkable growth in the field of technology, including advancements in the Internet of Things (IoT). The country has become a hub for innovative companies that are making significant contributions to the IoT space, offering exciting and groundbreaking solutions.

Kenyan IoT companies have emerged as key players, leveraging the power of connectivity and data to create products and services that address local challenges and drive economic growth. These companies are at the forefront of developing IoT solutions across various sectors, such as agriculture, healthcare, transportation, and smart cities.

Here are few of this companies leading in IoT field in Kenya :

1.Numeral IOT   (founded and led by Mr Morris Mbetsa) get more on https://www.numeraliot.com/about-us/

2.GearBox Kenya The company is mainly associated with making pcb boards https://www.gearbox-europlacer.com/

3.Itrace Africa ltd

Here are some cool things they make Car track, car alarm systems, autowatch alarm, industrial automation, central locking systems, Asset tracking, https://www.itraceafrica.com/

Security

Since the field is not that big in Kenya I have not heard of security problems here but from the US here are some of the security problems that come with IOT. In the last 18 months we’ve seen incredible security news focused on the IoT space. Baby monitors have been hacked, industrial trucks and ambulances compromised, FBI warnings about cars interrupted remotely while driving, hotel tablets hacked, power grids compromised, remote rifles changed targets, drug pumps altered, and many more wild stories.

We are accustomed to web security being handled with HTTPS connections, with many of the security breaches coming from actual hacked/fished accounts, i.e. the web is a predictable delivery and threat network at this point. In contrast, with IoT we will see a massive proliferation of proprietary networks, each with their own truly unique hardware, software, protocols, and security profiles. This all means that a huge economy will emerge for hackers, but also for security experts in the IoT space.

Get on-board!

If you’re not already excited about IoT, just look around and connect the dots. Everything around us is already talking, but our ability to listen is nascent. Our ability to listen will grow exponentially in the next ten years, and untold innovation will come.

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