Did you know that technology is creating more billionaires than any other field in the 21st century?
Superstar techpreneurs like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg forever changed the way we live, and for their troubles, found fame and fortune. But not all tech heroes wear capes. Away from the flash and glamour, visionary young Kenyans are using tech for social good within their communities. Here are a few of our favourites.
Ndovu Care: Inspired to resolve the human-wildlife conflict in Sagalla Hills near Tsavo, three high school mates, Joyce Mutoto, Nancy Wairimu and Macrina Antonia invented Ndovu Care, a solar powered device which uses motion sensors to detect the presence of jumbos. When the sensor gets triggered, it sets off an LED light and siren that scares away the elephants. An SMS alert is simultaneously sent to the Kenya Wildlife Service and surrounding community members that elephants have strayed in the area.
Usalama: This app is Edwin Iganji's alternative to the defunct 999 emergency police line. Usalama is your plug to emergency help. It allows you to send messages to emergency service providers and three predefined contacts of close family and friends. In case of an emergency, users can shake their phone or long press the volume button which then sends the distress signal. Users also have access to a database of rapid response emergency services and can get security updates from around the country.
iCut: When a prestigious Google award called for competitiors to identify a problem in their community and create a mobile app solution, five teenage girls from Kisumu came up with the winning anti-FGM app, iCut. The app is built to tackle female genital mutilation by connecting affected girls to legal and medical assistance. Girls who are also forced into FGM can press a panic button on the app that alerts authorities who will then rescue the girls.
Smart E-Con Wheelchair: Peter Maina pioneered this prototype wheelchair back in 2014 when he was still an electronics student in university. The wheelchair is built to make a world of difference in the daily lives of disabled persons. Not only does it deliver extreme mobility including being able to climb staircases, it also monitors the health of its user and helps them stand upright - all features which surpass any powered wheelchair available.
Do you know anyone using technology to make a positive difference in their corner of the world? Shout them out on twitter using #KBTechHero

About The Author

Author
Alix Grubel

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