@iLabAfrica - @iLabAfrica

27Sep 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Grace Otuya’s Academic Journey Across Continents

Data Science

“Do it scared. Do it sad. Do it happy. Just do it!” These words echo the unwavering determination that has defined Grace Otuya’s academic journey. In the dynamic world of higher education, scholarships are much more than financial aid; they are gateways to personal and academic transformation. For countless students, receiving a scholarship signifies academic achievement and a chance to reshape their futures profoundly. For Grace Oyuta, the journey began with an academic trip to the Czech Republic where she was inspired by the country’s rich historical architecture and welcoming atmosphere. Drawn to this new environment, Grace embraced the opportunity and applied for a scholarship, and fortunately, she got it. This scholarship is more than a stepping stone for Grace—it represents a new chapter in her research in IT and…

27Sep 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

@iLabAfrica Graduates Software Programmers in Celebration of World Programmers’ Day

Software Development

World Programmers Day, celebrated annually on September 13th (or September 12th during leap years), originated in Russia in 2009. This day honors the brilliant minds dedicated to developing the software and systems that power our daily lives. The date is significant in the programming world, as it marks the 256th day of the year – a number representing the distinct values that can be represented with an eight-bit byte. In celebration of the day, @iLabAfrica- Strathmore University proudly graduated its second cohort of software development students for 2024, empowering a new generation of programmers ready to make their mark in the tech industry. Launched in March 2021, this intensive four-month program offers rigorous front-end and back-end development training. Participants learn essential skills to design, develop, test, and maintain robust web…

19Sep 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Chakaya Nyamvula’s JGI Placement

Data Science

Hi, I’m Chakaya. I am currently pursuing my MSc in AI and Data Science at Keele University and working as a Business Intelligence Analyst at iLabAfrica at Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya. This summer, thanks to the partnership between iLabAfrica and JGI, I had an amazing opportunity to work with JGI for my Master’s placement. I wanted to immerse myself in a research environment and connect with people in academia to help figure out my future career path. Working under the guidance of Dr Huw Day, I gained valuable insights into the world of research and expanded my professional network, all while experiencing life in the UK. Chakaya Nyamvula, JGI Intern What was the project about? Previously for a JGI funded Seedcorn project Mark Mumme, Eleanor Walsh, Dan Smith, Huw Day, and…

12Sep 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

5 Reasons to Invest in Coding for Kids

Executive Education

Did you know that Kautilya Katariya became the world’s youngest computer programmer at age 6 and later founded “The Decipher” to inspire young minds in computing and math? In today’s digital world, coding is not just a technical skill but a gateway to creativity and growth for children. It enhances creativity, logical thinking, and concentration, offering profound benefits. While enrolling your child in a coding program might seem unusual, many professional developers started coding early. According to Stack Overflow’s 2020 survey, over 54% of developers wrote their first code by age 16, and nearly 10% began before their preteens. Research confirms that coding offers numerous advantages for kids, including: Enhances Problem-Solving Skills: Coding requires kids to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts and find solutions step-by-step. This problem-solving…

10Sep 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Cybersecurity Diplomacy: iLabAfrica’s Polish Expedition

Cybersecurity

The team after a morning of meetings and presentations at the eSecure offices In a bold move to bolster Africa’s digital defenses, the iLabAfrica Team embarked on a strategic mission to the heart of Eastern Europe. Poland, renowned for its rich history, technological advancement, and robust cybersecurity ecosystem, became the stage for this pivotal expedition. Led by Dr. Joseph Sevilla- Director @iLabAfrica, Eunice Maingi-Manager IT security (@iLabAfrica ), John Mwangi - Representative of the Polish Kenya Chamber of Commerce, TIMU) and Pat Muthui-CEO of BCK Kenya Ltd (TaiSoc) the delegation traversed the country, engaging with industry leaders and academic institutions to forge new partnerships. The expedition kicked off with strategic and product evaluation meetings at the eSecure offices in Warsaw. Michal Ostrowski, Chief Revenue Officer, and Krzysztof Gortat, the CEO…

29Aug 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Monitoring Air Quality in Nairobi to Curb Climate Change

IoT & Wireless Networks

Mr. Stephen Gitahi inspecting one of the air quality devices with his colleague. Strathmore University, @iLabAfrica is taking decisive action against climate change by focusing on a crucial yet often overlooked aspect: monitoring air quality as epitomized in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13. This initiative is part of a broader effort to mitigate air pollution's environmental and health consequences, a growing concern in Nairobi, Kenya. Nairobi’s Air Quality: A Growing Concern In early 2021, Nairobi was ranked as the dirtiest city in the country based on air quality measurements. With a US Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 73, the air quality was categorized as “Moderate” according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The city’s air pollution is largely attributed to suspended particulate matter, specifically PM2.5 and PM10,…

27Aug 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Spectrum of Excellence: Recognizing Neurodivergent Achievements in Tech

Architecture

Life is filled with moments that leave an indelible mark—birthdays, weddings, graduations, and promotions, but on August 3rd, 2024, a day unfolded that transcended the ordinary, celebrating a triumph far beyond academic achievement. The graduation of the extraordinary students from the Neurodivergent in Tech programme was not just a recognition of their scholarly success; it was a tribute to their relentless journey through challenges most can scarcely imagine. These graduates have redefined success, conquering the complexities of neurodivergence with resilience, determination, and an unbreakable spirit. Irene Wanjiku, The program manager kicked off extending her felicitations to the students, partners, and parents for the unweaving support and trust in the programme. Dr. Sevilla Joseph, Director @iLabAfrica congratulated the students on their achievements as he highlighted the progress of the Neurodivergent in…

20Aug 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

@iLabAfrica, Strathmore University and Partners Align Tech Education with Industry Needs

IoT & Wireless Networks

‘Internet of Things is an emerging technology that is changing the way we do things so we have to embrace it and the only way to do that is to include it in the curriculum review process.’- Mr. Jared Nganyi, Manager of IoT Unit, @iLabAfrica, Strathmore University. @iLabAfrica, Strathmore University joined fellow industry players in June at Summerdale Inn for the VocalizeIoT workshop, themed "Bridging the Gap: Aligning Tech Education with Industry Needs for the Fourth Industrial Revolution." The event brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including policymakers in agriculture, education, transport, TVETA institutions, and CEOs from companies and SMEs. This workshop was a key element of the VocalizeIoT project’s implementation phase, aimed at exploring opportunities, identifying challenges, and aligning education with industry needs to prepare for a more…

19Aug 2024 by @iLabAfrica No Comments

Unfiltered: My Untold Story of Entrepreneurship

Innovation & Incubation

Starting a business can feel like you're navigating uncharted waters alone. The ups and downs, the uncertainties—it is easy to feel isolated. But what if you had a community of driven entrepreneurs to navigate those challenges with? That’s the magic of the Founders Connect Series! Held on the 2nd of August, 2024, at the Microsoft Auditorium, Strathmore University, this event, part of the Talent 4 Startups Programme, brought together over 80 founders to connect, share, and learn from one another. The impact is real: mentored businesses see an 83% increase in revenue, and 71% of entrepreneurs with mentors report higher job satisfaction, according to a study by MicroMentor. Events like Founders Connect are not just gatherings—they are lifelines, offering the mentorship and community that can make all the difference in…

12Aug 2024 by @iLabAfrica 2 Comments

Pioneering Transparency: Revamped Public Procurement Informational Portal Launched

E-Health

@iLabAfrica, Strathmore University, in liaison with the Public Procurement Regulatory Board (PPRA) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ), ushered in a new age of Transparency with the Public Procurement Information Portal launch, August 7th, 2024 at KISM Towers. This launch marked the beginning of a more transparent era in tender management and approvals in alignment with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and more especially SDG 16.5 (Substantially Reduce Corruption and Bribery). Initially, the system was launched in 2018 following non-protocol procedures that PPRA had to act on and ensure that the portal captured every detail from the call of the tender to certification and completion with solving issues related to procurement complaints which left the portal in dire need of a revamp. The enhanced portal brought…

Author: @iLabAfrica