Impact Stories

Beginnings in Likoni: A Spark Ignited Gloria Ndirangu’s journey into technology began in 2016 when she joined the Mombasa Girls in STEM project, implemented by Pwani Teknowgalz in partnership with TechWomen Kenya. This early exposure to technology sparked her curiosity and set the foundation for what would become an impactful career.Raised in Likoni, a vibrant coastal town with a thriving community, Gloria completed her high school education at Mount Sinai Academy. While she did not have the opportunity to pursue college immediately after graduation, her determination and passion for technology never faded.At a time when many of her peers were uncertain about their futures, Gloria sought out opportunities…

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted lives across the world, many faced uncertainty, but for Racheal Kamau, it became an opportunity for reinvention. Pivoting from a business career, she chose to embrace technology, determined to build a new path. Her bold leap into the tech world began during CodeHack Flutter, where she developed her first mobile application, Genesis Pregnancy Helper. Though she started with no prior technical background, her curiosity and resilience turned what seemed like an uncertain experiment into the foundation of a thriving career. Thriving in Tech and Giving Back Today, Racheal works as a Software Engineer and Cybersecurity Trainer at TriSecure Solutions, where she continues to…

  Navigating the vast world of technology can be overwhelming, especially for those just starting out. Yet, for one individual, the path forward became clear with the guidance of the right mentors. After finishing form four, Ilhaam found herself at a crossroads, unsure of her next steps. It was a friend’s recommendation that led her to enroll in Codehack’s computer literacy program, where she embarked on a journey of self-discovery. Despite lacking prior tech knowledge, she quickly found her stride, immersing herself in computer packages and witnessing her skills flourish in just three short months. Ilhaam’s journey began at Pwani Teknowgalz, where she enrolled in the Codehack computer…

Systemic biases and cultural barriers play a significant role in hindering the progress of women in the tech industry. One major challenge is the lack of representation and diversity in tech companies. Women are underrepresented at all levels, from entry-level positions to executive roles. This lack of representation perpetuates a vicious cycle, as women often struggle to find role models and mentors who understand their unique experiences and can guide them through their careers. Despite these formidable challenges, women in technology continue to defy expectations and push and Viola is one of them. Since childhood, the inner workings of computers and phones have always fascinated me. The allure…

Introduction Meet Sharon Atieno, a passionate Data Scientist and Technical Instructor at Pwani Teknowgalz. Her transformative journey in the tech world began in April 2021 when she joined our CodeHack training program during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic. Let’s dive into Sharon’s experience and explore the impact Pwani Teknowgalz had on her career in data science. Pwani Teknowgalz Impact How did participating in Pwani Teknowgalz programs contribute to your professional development and skill acquisition in data science and machine learning? At the time I was participating in the CodeHack Program, Pwani Teknowgalz did not have a Data Science and Machine Learning track, they were only doing…

  In many parts of Kenya, women have long faced barriers to entering and thriving in the technology sector. Yet, a growing number of women are defying the odds learning, leading, and building spaces that empower others to embrace digital opportunities. Among them is Mariam Abubakar Ahmed, an ICT Champion, Educator, and Co-founder & Deputy Executive Director of Lamu Tech Hub, as well as the CEO of Maryuma PrintCraft. Mariam’s journey into technology was sparked in 2019 when she joined the STEM Café Program by Pwani Teknowgalz. The hands-on training in digital marketing and website development opened her eyes to the transformative power of technology and its potential…

  The digital age has created previously unheard-of opportunities for the empowerment of women and girls, ranging from online study and digital activism to the rapid rise of high-paying tech employment.Women and girls remain underrepresented across the creation, use and regulation of technology.Umi Ramadhan Karisa a high school student at Bahari Girls secondary school had always been interested  in studying technology after high school, but due to financial difficulties, she almost gave up on ever realizing her dream of becoming a technology expert because she was not given the chance to study computer science. “As I had already given up on studying technology, a friend of mine suggested…

Zalia Shehe is a former student at Likoni Mixed high school in Mombasa.She first interacted with Pwani Teknowgalz through Technovation program in her school. During the program, she was the best student awarded for being bold to finish creating and presenting a mobile application that her team was working on.She and her team members created a mobile application:Easy Disposal that helps in solving problem of waste management by identifying areas that can dispose off waste safely.She was awarded as the best Technovation student in Mombasa after her exemplary presentation during the regional pitch. After completing high school studies,Zalia joined Pwani Teknowgalz computer essential classes and later proceeded with…