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What transforms a curious young boy from Likoni into a globally-recognized innovator creating life-changing solutions for fishing communities? In this captivating conversation, Dennis Okangi shares his remarkable journey from watching neighbors' TVs through windows to meeting world leaders and showcasing his innovation across continents.

Growing up as the only boy among five siblings in Mombasa's densely populated Likoni area, Dennis navigated the challenges of shared Swahili houses where multiple families coexist in close quarters with limited privacy and resources. These early experiences shaped his resilience and problem-solving mindset that would later define his entrepreneurial approach.

Dennis takes us through his educational journey – from earning a scholarship to Moi Forces Academy despite scoring below the typical threshold, to switching from an assigned zoology program to computer science at Rongo University. Along the way, he discovered his passion for hardware development through Science Congress competitions and mentorship at Swahili Box tech hub.

With refreshing candor, Dennis unpacks the failures of his first two business ventures, sharing painful lessons about equity distribution, investor relationships, and the importance of market validation. These experiences set the stage for the creation of Kuza Freezer – a revolutionary cold storage solution that's transforming the fish value chain in coastal Kenya.

By collaborating with local boat makers and embracing bottom-up design, Dennis cut production costs by 50% compared to imported alternatives. This approach not only makes the technology accessible to low-income fishing communities but also enables fishermen to preserve their catch longer and sell at fair market prices instead of at throwaway rates.

The impact of Dennis's innovation has earned him recognition across Africa and beyond, with acceleration programs taking him to India, Germany, Algeria, and South Africa. Yet he remains focused on the immense untapped potential within East Africa before expanding further.

Dennis leaves us with powerful insights about entrepreneurship not being "for the faint-hearted" and the wisdom of building solutions by first understanding community problems. His journey reminds us that with resilience, community understanding, and locally-appropriate technology, we can create sustainable solutions that uplift entire communities.

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Dive into the remarkable journey of Dr. Mthew Egessa, whose path from computer science to blue economy innovation demonstrates the transformative power of purpose-driven technology. Growing up in Western Kenya and navigating his way through the academic world, Mathew's story isn't just about personal achievement—it's a testament to how passion and persistence can create meaningful change in unexpected places.

This conversation explores how Mathew's formative experiences shaped his approach to innovation. From his days teaching in a resource-constrained village school to his time at the prestigious University of Nairobi School of Computing, each chapter of his life contributed to a unique perspective on technology's role in society. Particularly moving is his account of bringing drama and competitive opportunities to underserved students, witnessing firsthand how access and exposure can transform self-belief.

Mathew's work at the Technical University of Mombasa, where he now serves as chairperson of the Management Science Department and leads the Blue Economy Innovation Hub (BayHub), represents a fascinating intersection of academic research and practical innovation. His creation of Vua Solutions, a fintech platform helping small-scale fishers build financial resilience against seasonal income fluctuations, showcases the profound impact simple technologies can have on vulnerable communities.

What makes this episode particularly enlightening is Mathew's nuanced understanding of sustainable development. Rather than pursuing technological innovation or profit maximization alone, his work emphasizes environmental sustainability, financial inclusion, and community empowerment. As he explains the challenges and opportunities within Kenya's blue economy—from sustainable fishing practices to coastal tourism and environmental conservation—listeners gain valuable insights into how contextually appropriate solutions can address complex societal challenges.

Whether you're interested in technology, social entrepreneurship, or sustainable development, Mathew's thoughtful approach to bridging academic knowledge with real-world impact offers inspiration and practical wisdom. Listen now to discover how innovation with purpose can create ripples of positive change across communities.

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🎤 Guest: Dr. Mathew Egessa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathewegessa/
Twitter: https://x.com/MathewEgessa

🎤 Host: Michael Kimathi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkimathi/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/m_k_global

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The entrepreneurial journey from campus coder to fintech disruptor comes alive in this compelling conversation with Tom Kimani, founder of Presta. With remarkable candor, Tom reveals how his early fascination with computers transformed into a passion for solving real financial problems across Africa.

Tom's story is rooted in humble beginnings – from growing up near power stations where his father worked, to setting up an impressive workspace in his university days that left his peers in awe. What sets his narrative apart is how he leveraged limited resources to create maximum impact. While other startups chase massive funding rounds, Tom built Presta on the radical notion that "your biggest investor is actually your customer." This customer-first philosophy guided every aspect of his company's growth.

The conversation takes us through the evolution of Presta, which began as a simple digital lending platform and expanded to revolutionize how Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) operate. Tom shares the breakthrough moment when they created a digital loan application system with e-signatures, eliminating the need for physical paperwork and in-person guarantors. This innovation proved especially valuable during COVID when traditional paper-based systems became problematic.

What truly distinguishes this episode is Tom's transparency about the challenges of building a fintech in Africa – from navigating slow decision-making cycles in traditional financial institutions to implementing robust security measures while handling billions in loan disbursements. His insights on hiring ("sometimes you have to hire people and pay them more than you're earning") offer a refreshing perspective on leadership and talent management.

As Presta expands beyond Kenya's borders to Zambia and Botswana, Tom's story reminds us that African solutions can scale continent-wide when entrepreneurs focus on genuine customer needs rather than chasing trends. Whether you're building your first startup or scaling an established business, Tom's journey demonstrates that with passion, persistence, and a deep understanding of local markets, African entrepreneurs can create technology that transforms lives.

Ready to be inspired by the next generation of African tech innovators? Subscribe now and join our community of forward-thinking listeners passionate about technology's role in shaping Africa's future.

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Dive into a rich conversation in this episode that encapsulates the journey from telecommunications to the era of artificial intelligence. Our guest shares captivating stories from his early experiences navigating the traditional telecom landscape, recounting the challenges of making phone calls using payphones and the inefficiencies he faced. This exploration leads to his pursuit of electrical engineering and ultimately transitioning to telecommunications at Multimedia University.

Throughout the episode, you’ll discover how the intersection of personal experience and professional ambition has equipped him with the knowledge needed to propel social change. His commitment to empowering communities became evident as he actively participated in volunteer initiatives like teaching coding in Kibera, aiming to equip the next generation with essential skills.

The conversation then shifts towards entrepreneurship, with a focus on innovative projects that aim to address social issues. He elaborates on building platforms that cater to the needs of refugees, emphasizing the significance of technology in delivering meaningful solutions.

As AI continues to reshape industries, our guest articulates the immense potential that lies ahead - framing AI not as a looming threat but as an invaluable complement to human effort. The dialogue encourages listeners to embrace risk, prioritize training, and innovate while considering ethical implications as they navigate this evolving landscape.

This episode not only inspires those interested in tech but also invites an invigorating discussion about our collective future. Don’t miss out on these valuable insights. Subscribe now, and let’s explore how we can build a more connected and innovative world.

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Ever wondered how an introverted soul can still make waves in the world of social innovation? Khalila Mbowe, affectionately known as Kellz, tracking her roots in Machame in Kilimanjaro, joins us to unravel her journey from the bustling streets of Arusha, Tanzania, to the dynamic landscape of Africa's creative economy and tech for gender. Kellz opens up about her paradoxical personality—an introvert with a love for people—and how it has shaped her connections and independence. From overcoming bullying and trauma during her school years to the challenges of making friends and valuing authentic conversations, Kellz’s story is one of resilience and personal growth.

Get ready to be moved by Kellz's candid recounting of her university days in Malaysia, where cultural and educational adjustments were just the tip of the iceberg. Balancing academic responsibilities with social activities took on new meaning as she navigated the complexities of raising a child during her final year of university. We dive into the emotional and logistical struggles of seeking proper medical care for her son and how community support and spiritual growth played pivotal roles during this challenging period. Kellz’s experiences underscore the importance of safe professional environments and comprehensive safeguarding measures, especially as she transitioned into her role as a social entrepreneur.

Discover how Unleashed Africa Social Ventures became a beacon of hope for youth development, social innovation, and job creation. Kellz shares the inception stories of impactful solutions like the Rise Up platform, Africa’s first digital safe space for girls, and how personal sacrifices fueled these initiatives. Whether it’s the journey of securing funding, the power of community support, or the importance of creating meaningful, lasting change, this episode is a testament to the perseverance and tenacity required to overcome barriers and make a real impact. Don't just listen; be inspired to act and become part of the legacy of change.

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What if the key to transforming your passion into a successful career lies within the stories of your upbringing? Join us as we sit down with tech entrepreneur Iving Amukasa for an inspiring journey through his early life in Kenya. From his birth in Nairobi and childhood adventures in Isili, Mombasa, and Maseno, Iving recounts how public school resources like swimming pools and computer labs ignited his love for technology. He emphasizes the crucial role of investing in public institutions and the impactful efforts of organizations like Food for Education in shaping young minds.

Ever wondered how academic challenges shape one's path to greatness? Iving paints a vivid picture of his schooling experiences, navigating different primary schools, and tackling the demanding KCPE exams. Get a detailed look at how mastering exam techniques and overcoming resource limitations can lead to exceptional academic performance. Additionally, we discuss the contrasts between Kenya’s traditional 8-4-4 system and the new Competency-Based Curriculum, shedding light on the ongoing challenges in educational reform and the crucial need for resource management and support for teachers.

But that's not all – discover how friendships, sports, and extracurricular activities cultivated Iving’s personal growth and professional network. We celebrate the strong alumni community of Maseno School, the life lessons from playing rugby, and the parallels between sports and tech. As the conversation unfolds, Iving shares his evolution from academic excellence to tech entrepreneurship, revealing the highs and lows of startup ventures like SophieBot. Through hackathons, strategic studying, and real-world applications, Iving's story underscores the importance of marrying education with practical skills and the transformative power of technology in driving social change. Don’t miss this episode packed with wisdom and actionable insights!

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