Update On Issue 10, Excel Foundation Feature

Summary

In this inspiring update, Level Crossing Safety Advocate Kennedy Mukwakwa shares the progress of his RailWatch Technologies project, first featured in Excel Magazine Issue 10. With support from the Excel Foundation seed fund, the initiative has advanced through key stages — from procuring essential components and refining prototype designs to engaging railway and road safety authorities such as Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) and RTSA.

The project aims to enhance safety at railway crossings by reducing accidents through innovative detection and alert systems. Kennedy expresses gratitude to Excel Magazine and the Excel Foundation for their pivotal role in providing both funding and visibility, paving the way for future collaborations and large-scale implementation across Zambia and beyond.

By Kennedy Mukwakwa

I am deeply grateful to Excel Magazine and the Excel Foundation for featuring my project (RailWatch Technologies) on Level Crossing Safety in Issue 10 and for providing the seed fund that has supported its development. Indeed the funding was a seed which is now growing.

Since the feature, the funding has enabled me to:
#Procure key components that the project needed for it’s completion.
#Advance the design and testing of the Level Crossing Safety prototype.
#Conduct awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagements with railway authorities and road safety agencies.
#Improve the technical efficiency of the system by refining detection and alert mechanisms.

These steps have brought the project closer to real world implementation, with the ultimate goal of reducing accidents and saving lives at level crossings.

The recognition and support from Excel Foundation not only provided financial assistance but also gave the project visibility, which has opened doors for collaborations and discussions with key partners in the transport and safety sectors i.e Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) and Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA).

Looking ahead, my focus is on scaling the project, conducting more extensive field trials, and partnering with government and private stakeholders to ensure that this technology can be widely adopted for safer railway-road interactions in Zambia and beyond.

I sincerely thank Excel Magazine for its continued interest in my journey and for the opportunity to showcase my progress in this Issue.