A groundbreaking innovation became the focus of attention at a flagship innovation forum for the country run by the Kenya National Innovation Agency.
Cracksfox self-healing concrete captivated the attention of industry leaders, academics, and government officials led by President William Ruto.
President William Ruto officially opened the Innovation Week 2024 at the College of Insurance.
Introduced by Prof Jackson Wachira Muthengi from the University of Embu’s Department of Cement Technology, Cracksfox Self-Healing Concrete has marked a significant leap forward in the construction industry.
Cracksfox is a cutting-edge concrete designed to address one of the most persistent challenges in the construction industry—cracking.
With a unique self-healing mechanism, the concrete can repair its own fractures, triggered by a cracks-sensitive ingredient that activates upon contact with moisture.
The innovative material offers enhanced durability and strength, making it ideal for critical infrastructure such as slabs, boreholes, and septic tanks—structures that often face the harshest wear and tear.
Cracksfox has a 50-year lifespan and waterproof properties, which make it an excellent solution for septic tanks, which are prone to degradation from water and environmental factors.
By extending the longevity of these essential structures, Cracksfox promises to significantly reduce long-term maintenance costs, offering both financial and environmental benefits.
In his address, Ruto commended Muthengi for the breakthrough, highlighting the transformative potential of Cracksfox in the context of Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme.
“This is a game-changing innovation,” the President remarked. “As we work toward providing affordable housing for all Kenyans, technologies like Cracksfox will be critical in making this vision a reality. Not only does it enhance the quality and longevity of our infrastructure, but it also helps keep costs down—making housing more sustainable and accessible for the people of Kenya.”
Ruto also emphasised the significance of supporting local innovations like Cracksfox, which can address national challenges. “This is a perfect example of homegrown talent,” he said. “The government is committed to backing innovations that align with our goals for affordable housing and sustainable development. Professor Muthengi’s work is a testament to the incredible potential of our own researchers to create solutions for the future.”