NAIROBI: 21st August 2024
Nairobi City County Governor H.E Sakaja Johnson in the company of Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri today officially opened Innovate Nairobi Tech Week 2024 at the University of Nairobi, Chandaria Centre for Performing Arts.
The Innovate Nairobi Tech Week, whose theme Innovation for All: “Crafting a Tech-Driven Future of Boundless Opportunity” is a program under Digital Economy and Startups Sub-sector and is set to run from21st to 23rd August, 2024.
H.E. Governor Sakaja, in his opening remarks, said, “As we convene here today, we are reminded of the immense potential we hold to transform Nairobi into a global beacon of innovation Nairobi matters. We are a hub of innovation right now, and we have certainly secured our place in the region. We want to see how we can turn the energy and innovation here into empowerment for our people, transformation in their lives, and products and services that will serve people right across the world. ”
The County boss further shared that his vision for Nairobi County is one where ICT is at the forefront of every sector, bringing transparency, equality, and dignity to the lives of every Nairobian.
He said, ” Our flagship projects, such as the Nairobi Smart City Initiative, will continue to integrate technology into urban planning, transportation, and public services, making our city a model of digital transformation. As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, we must create pathways for all our people to participate in and benefit from the digital revolution. Innovation should not be the privilege of a few but the right of all. It should reach every corner of our society, unlocking opportunities for the youth, empowering women, and uplifting the underserved communities. ”
H.E Deputy Governor Njoroge Muchiri underscored the profound impact of technology on society’s evolution. “Technology, Education, and Learning must be integrated with societal needs. Technology extends beyond gadgets and software. It is fundamentally about results and what we deliver to enhance lives. The emergence of online jobs and the freelance economy has revolutionized the concept of employment in today’s world. We must leverage this potential to elevate the lives of every Nairobi resident. ”
County Executive for Innovation and Digital Economy, Mike Gumo, emphasized H.E., the Governor’s pivotal role in the success of Innovate Nairobi Tech Week 2024. “H.E the Governor’s unwavering support has been instrumental in making this event a success. This year’s theme, ‘Innovation for All,’ reflects our goal to ensure that the benefits of technology are shared by everyone. It is about inclusivity. We are here to engage in cutting-edge solutions and collaborate with one another to drive Nairobi into the digital age,” Gumo stated.
Chief Officer for Digital Economy and Startups, Sande Oyolo, articulated H.E Governor Johnson Sakaja’s manifesto that underpins Nairobi’s forward-looking vision “We are unwavering in our commitment to positioning Nairobi as a global leader in innovation. This gathering is a testament to our dedication to developing products and services that benefit every Nairobian, not just a privileged few. Technology is a powerful equalizer, and our efforts, such as the digitization of public services, are already yielding tangible results. We will continue to support startups by ensuring access to capital and crafting policy frameworks that enable them to scale and fuel economic growth,” Sande asserted.
In attendance was Ambassador Phillip Tigo, special envoy on Technology for the Republic of Kenya who highlighted Nairobi County’s’ crucial role in the tech ecosystem, stating, “Nairobi is the pulse of Silicon Savannah, a city where creativity flourishes at an unmatched pace. With more innovation per capita than anywhere else in the region, Nairobi stands as a true Centre of technological progress.”
Finn Church Aid, represented by Partnership Manager Faith Inyanchi, relayed the importance of sustainable community development through technology. “Technology shapes society, and our goal is to prepare the youth to take advantage of digital skills to earn a dignified living. We must bridge the digital divide among vulnerable youth by ensuring access to computers, smartphones, and low-cost internet. This will enable them to build solutions and sharpen their skills,” Inyanchi urged. She called on private sector stakeholders to collaborate and create an interlinked digital ecosystem that absorbs graduates, ultimately creating jobs and tackling youth unemployment.
In a demonstration of Nairobi County’s’ commitment to green innovation, MojaEv Kenya, an electric vehicle manufacturer led by its CEO Wang Iping, showcased their latest electric car model, Skyworth Mr. Wang also presented portable charging devices for the vehicles, which will incentivize the shift from fuel to electric vehicles and electric garbage trucks with water containment system design for road cleaning.
Innovate Nairobi Tech week 2024 seeks to bring together innovation stakeholders to create greater visibility for Nairobi’s vibrant Tech ecosystem and provide a platform for startup investor pitch, startup linkage to global start cities, career opportunities for youth, partnership opportunities for international startups and businesses including promoting entrepreneurship and the innovation ecosystem, driving technological advancement, enhancing global competitiveness, and stimulating economic growth among others.
This is the second Innovate Nairobi Tech week Nairobi County has held with the Inaugural one held in 2023 at Edge Convention Centre for Excellence, South C that saw the County hosting over 1,500 delegates and over 50 startups getting exclusive deals in the various deal rooms. It also had over 40 event speakers, including a fully-fledged hackathon that saw the participants come up with solutions that were adopted by different organizations.
The three (3) day Innovate Nairobi Tech week 2024 features hackathon Presentations, kids and teens programs, break out rooms, tracks on Talent, Web 3, Cybersecurity, Climate change, Investment, Startup Policy, Education, Health, Media and Creative Economy, Hardware and Robotics, Smart City, Fintech, Digital Inclusion.
In attendance were County Executive for Talent, Skills, Development and Care, Brian Mulama ; County Chief Officers ; Smart Nairobi, Wilson Gakuya, Public Participation and Citizen Engagement and Customer Service, Zipporah Mwangi, Economic Planning, John Lintari, Wellness, Nutrition and School feeding, Amina Mohammed, Directors; Digital Economy and Startups, Elizabeth Ndung’u, Public Communication, Beryl Okundi, ICT Infrastructure, Truphena Ogonda among other County Officers, Innovation and Digital Economy (IDE) advisor to H.E the Governor, George Musyoka, Director ICT, Office of the Governor, Gideon Thande, stakeholders; AfricaHackon,Tech Kidz Africa,AGI Nairobi,Chasing Mavericks,Esri Eastern Africa,Cyber Guard Africa limited ,Edtech East Africa,Villgro Africa, Chairman AFC Leopards, Dr. Dan Shikanda, among other patners.
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