From Incubator Fixes to Hilltop Hikes
After my recent trip to Baringo, one thing’s clear: this place is breathtakingly underrated. Sure, I’d heard tales of the “brutal” weather, warnings that made me brace myself for scorching heat. But October brought surprises—a mild, almost gentle climate, with cool nights, the occasional shower, and lush green covering every hillside. Baringo’s hills and rocky paths turned out to be a refreshing escape from the bustle of the city, and I found myself in Kabartonjo, Ossen, within Kaptum village, surrounded by a tranquil countryside scene that felt like stepping into another world.
The trip wasn’t just about taking in the views; I was there with Geotto, our startup, to customize and automate an egg incubator for a client named Emmanuel Kiplimo. Emmanuel had built his incubator back in 2021, but he’d hit some major roadblocks—constant blackouts were damaging his eggs and costing him a small fortune, and the manual work involved in maintaining the incubator’s conditions was wearing him down.
Our solution? Bring in some IoT-powered magic. We customized his incubator by installing temperature and humidity sensors that regulate the incubator automatically, maintaining optimal conditions even if the power flickers. And, we didn’t stop there. We added control options for chicken, turkey, duck, and quail eggs, so Emmanuel’s incubator is now more versatile than ever. As a non-engineer, watching the automated system in action felt a bit like magic—it was incredibly efficient, almost mesmerizing in its precision.
Of course, all work and no play makes for a dull trip, so after the setup, our gracious host invited us on a tour. Our first hike was relaxed, taking in panoramic views of the countryside with a stunning perspective of Iten in the distance. Feeling adventurous (or perhaps just optimistic), I agreed to a “slightly more intense” hike the next day. Fast forward 15 minutes, and I was wheezing, questioning my life choices as I clambered up steep paths. At one point, a guide even asked if I was asthmatic (I’m not, though it felt like it right then).
Somehow, I made it through an 8km hike, barely intact but strangely refreshed. The sweeping views made the exhaustion worth it, though I’m pretty sure I won’t be rushing back to do it again anytime soon.
Despite the challenges, the trip to Baringo was unforgettable. The people’s warmth and unique culture made the journey meaningful, and Emmanuel’s incubator is now a robust, automated tool ready for action. It looks like incubator customization and automation are here to stay in Geotto’s portfolio, and I’m thrilled to see where this new venture takes us!