Coding Hacks I Wish I Knew as a Newbie: Emmanuel Kweyu

Coding Hacks I Wish I Knew as a Newbie: Emmanuel Kweyu

E-Health
2021 saw a rise in demand for software programmers as the world fully embraced the digital era due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This demand spread across the globe like wildfire, in Kenya tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Africa Development Centre set up offices, investing millions of dollars into hiring local talent. The demand for programmers shows no signs of slowing down as businesses continue to digitalize and new technologies emerge, as their need intensifies. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, it is estimated that by 2025, technological automation will also create around 97 million new job opportunities in predominantly technology-focused industries, further emphasizing the importance of programming skills. So before you leap into this exciting world of 1s and 0s, it is important to seek insights…
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@iLabAfrica and Save the Children Join Forces for Child Well-Being

@iLabAfrica and Save the Children Join Forces for Child Well-Being

Research & Innovation
@iLabAfrica at Strathmore University celebrated a significant milestone by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Save the Children International, Kenya, on Tuesday, May 21st, 2024. This collaboration is set to leverage @iLabAfrica's expertise in data analysis and processing to assist Save the Children in comprehensively understanding infant mortality trends based on data collected from over 210 countries. In his remarks, Mr. Ahmed Osman, Acting Director at Save the Children, highlighted the alignment between @iLabAfrica and Save the Children's initiatives focused on care and development. This acknowledgment underscored the significance of the MoU signing as a foundation for further collaboration on projects related to digital child protection, education for underprivileged children from the basic level upwards, and reducing child mortality. While addressing the importance of child protection and advocacy, Mr.…
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Strathmore University Leading the Pack in Unlocking Africa’s Potential with 3D Printing Technology

Strathmore University Leading the Pack in Unlocking Africa’s Potential with 3D Printing Technology

IoT & Wireless Networks
@iLabAfrica Innovation & Research Centre in Strathmore University is hosting a 2-week 3D Modelling, Design, and Printing Course that shall commence on June 17th. The program will provide participants with the right theoretical aspects and the hands-on skills and knowledge they need to become experts in this field. When you think of 3D printing, you might conjure futuristic technology seemingly reserved for the affluent corners of the world. 3D printing is breaking barriers, becoming increasingly accessible and affordable even in middle-income nations like Kenya. This groundbreaking technology is already weaving its transformative threads into the fabric of the Kenyan economy, and the horizon of its potential is boundless. For those who might not be familiar, 3D printing is a marvel of modern engineering. It’s a process where three-dimensional objects are…
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Empowering Female Entrepreneurs In Tech: Lessons from the #SCWomenInTech Bootcamp

Empowering Female Entrepreneurs In Tech: Lessons from the #SCWomenInTech Bootcamp

Innovation & Incubation, Women in Tech
@iBizAfrica – Strathmore University, in partnership with Standard Chartered Bank launched Cohort 7 of its Women in Tech Program, under their joint initiative, the Women in Tech Incubator program. With sustainability as its central theme, the program aims to empower female entrepreneurs leveraging technology to pivot their businesses towards environmentally and socially responsible practices. Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the @iBizAfrica Incubation Centre at Strathmore University, June 3rd and 4th marked a pivotal moment as over 80 determined female entrepreneurs converged for the #SCWomenInTech Bootcamp. Here, they eagerly soaked up essential skills vital for navigating the complexities of today’s business landscape.. Day 1 kicked off with discussions on the key aspect of Customer Discovery and Validation, led by Robert Yawe from Synaptech Solutions. Participants engaged in practical exercises to pinpoint their…
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@iLabAfrica Research Scholars Scoop 3rd place at the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) Innovation Challenge

@iLabAfrica Research Scholars Scoop 3rd place at the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) Innovation Challenge

Artificial Intelligence
On the 29th of  April, 2024 The Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI), in partnership with Caava VantagePoint AI (CVPAI), embarked on an Artificial Intelligence Innovation challenge for the insurance industry. @iLabAfrica, Strathmore University was represented by four research scholars at @iLabAfrica pursuing their Masters in Data Science and Analytics. Dubbed the Tunga team, the group comprised Lindah Kelida, Derrick Lubanga, Sharon Tonui, and David Nene. The team emerged 3rd overall in the challenge with a prize of 1 hour of consultancy worth KSH. 60,000.  1. Before we begin, Congratulations on your win. What was Tunga’s motivation to sign up for the hackathon? We are currently experimenting with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, as well as different AI communications and domains, so our motivating factor was to use this as an…
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From Student to Developer: @iLabAfrica’s Certificate Programme shaping the future of Software Development

From Student to Developer: @iLabAfrica’s Certificate Programme shaping the future of Software Development

Software Development
On Friday 17th May 2024, the @iLabAfrica graduated its first cohort of the Software Development program.   The day was filled with joy, laughter, and an overall sense of triumph as they gathered for their graduation. The cafeteria was specially decorated with vibrant school cues, complimenting the students dressed to the nines for their special day. The event commenced with opening remarks by Mr. Ivan Bunyali, Program Coordinator at the Executive Education Department, who set the tone of celebration reminiscing on how each student had their expectations and goals when they signed up for the program. He congratulated them on their tenacity when enduring the long nights to meet assignments alongside their project deadlines and their ability to come together as a class regardless of their individual goals. He urged…
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Securing the Digital Frontier: Expert Tips from @iLabAfrica’s Alex Osunga

Securing the Digital Frontier: Expert Tips from @iLabAfrica’s Alex Osunga

Cybersecurity
Picture this. You leave work in the evening with everything perfectly in order, only to wake up the next day to find that your systems across multiple departments have been hacked by a political organization. What would you do?  This was the grim reality of the KFC Fast Food Franchise on the morning of 5th May 2024. Customers in their restaurants were confronted with screens displaying messages from the Mutarrif Hamas Islamic Force, announcing a cyberattack creating a buzz on social media. This  ‘cyberattack,’ more accurately described as website defacement, occurs when malicious parties infiltrate a website and replace content on the site with their messages. The messages mostly convey a political or religious message, profanity, or other inappropriate content that would embarrass website owners, or a notice that a…
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Bridging Gaps: Kimberly Kuya’s Journey with Kib Linking Services

Bridging Gaps: Kimberly Kuya’s Journey with Kib Linking Services

Innovation & Incubation
In recent weeks, floods have affected different counties in Kenya, making access to basic necessities a significant challenge. Homes and roads have been damaged, isolating communities and hindering aid delivery. Amidst these difficulties, Kimberly Kuya, a graduate student in Business Management, at Strathmore University is developing a promising solution aimed at simplifying service provision through real-time connections.  Kimberly's vision for Kib Linking Services is grounded in practicality, efficiency, and economic empowerment. In Kenya, where technology adoption is on the rise, there's a growing demand for tech-driven solutions. According to DataReportal’s Digital 2023 report, the number of internet users in Kenya reached 17.86 million by June 2023, highlighting the increasing reliance on digital platforms for everyday needs. Kib Linking Services will operate on a user-friendly platform that enables individuals to find…
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Empowering Education: Inside the GLC HP Strathmore Hackathon

Empowering Education: Inside the GLC HP Strathmore Hackathon

Innovation & Incubation
GLC HP STRATHMORE HACKATHON Did you know that in 2024, almost 1.13 million primary school children in Kenya aged 6 to 13 years old have dropped  out of school, according to a recent survey? This alarming statistic highlights a range of challenges hindering access to education, including limited internet access, parental reservations about education, nomadic lifestyles, and financial barriers to school fees. Globally, approximately 5% of children are out of school, while many enrolled students struggle to meet educational standards. Disparities in access to quality education persist, particularly in underserved communities, as highlighted by a report from Usawa, a non-governmental organisation. In response to these challenges, the Global Learning Council (GLC), HP, and @iBizAfrica-Strathmore University have united to launch the GLC HP Strathmore Hackathon. This collaborative initiative aims to merge…
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Strathmore University Graduate Trainees in AI Capacity Building Program

Strathmore University Graduate Trainees in AI Capacity Building Program

Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence Capacity Building Program graduates pose for a photo. Nairobi. @iLabAfrica-Strathmore University recently graduated its first cohort of The Artificial Intelligence Capacity Building Program. The program, in collaboration with GIZ Kenya, was aimed at enhancing Artificial Intelligence expertise in Kenya. Participants underwent extensive training on various aspects of Artificial Intelligence since April 2023. The training encompassed various fields such as FinTech, Justice, Agriculture, Energy, and the Ethical Use of AI.A representative from the German Embassy in Kenya pointed out the vitality of the training program citing, “Working towards a more open, inclusive, & sustainable approach to AI on a global scale, we aim to enhance the conditions for local AI development in its partner countries: Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and  Uganda.” AI plays a pivotal role…
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