Kenya is one of Africa’s leading countries in technology and innovation. Many brilliant women are behind this success. They are using technology to solve real problems, create jobs, and inspire the next generation. From fintech to education and agriculture, these women are shaping Kenya’s future and showing that women can lead in technology.
1. Juliana Rotich – Creator of Ushahidi
Juliana Rotich is one of Kenya’s most respected tech leaders. She is the co-founder of Ushahidi, a tool that helps people share information during crises. The word “Ushahidi” means “testimony” in Swahili. It was first used to report violence during Kenya’s 2007 elections and has since been used worldwide for disaster response and human rights reporting.
Juliana has also worked to improve internet access and promote open data in Africa. Her efforts have made her a global icon in technology and social change.
2. Dorothy Ghettuba – Powering African Stories on Netflix
Dorothy Ghettuba is helping Africa tell its stories to the world. She is the Manager for African Originals at Netflix and a co-founder of Spielworks Media, a major film production company in Kenya. Dorothy uses digital platforms to help African creatives share their work and earn from it.
Her mission is to show that African content is powerful and deserves global attention. She is a strong example of how technology and storytelling can come together to change lives.
3. Dr. Chao Mbogho – Mentor and Educator
Dr. Chao Mbogho is passionate about teaching and mentoring young tech talent. She started KamiLimu, a program that helps university students gain real tech skills. Many of her students have gone on to work in top tech companies.
Her work focuses on bridging the gap between school and the real tech world. She continues to empower young women to believe that they too can have successful careers in technology.
4. Catherine Mwangi – Leader in Fintech Innovation
Catherine Mwangi, the CEO and co-founder of FinAccess, is changing how people in Kenya access financial services. Her company uses mobile technology to help small savings groups and financial institutions work better and reach more people.
Thanks to her innovation, more Kenyans, especially those in rural areas, can now save, borrow, and grow their businesses. She is a true leader in promoting financial inclusion through technology.
5. Marion Moon – Supporting Farmers with GreenTech
Marion Moon is helping farmers connect and share knowledge using technology. She founded Wefarm, a platform that allows farmers to exchange farming advice through SMS messages, even without internet access.
Over two million farmers across East Africa use Wefarm. Her idea helps farmers improve their crops, increase profits, and support one another. Marion’s innovation proves that technology can also help rural communities thrive.
6. Hilda Moraa – Founder of Pezesha
Hilda Moraa is the founder of Pezesha, a fintech company that gives small business owners access to loans. Using AI and data analysis, Pezesha helps banks and lenders make better loan decisions.
Before starting Pezesha, Hilda built another tech startup, Weza Tele, which was later acquired by Airtel Kenya. She continues to push for fair lending practices and supports more women joining the fintech space.
7. Regina Kihika – Building Smart Cities
Regina Kihika is the founder of Fahari Innovation Hub, a company that focuses on smart city technology. Her projects use data and smart systems to improve services like transport, waste management, and urban planning.
Her work helps cities run better and more efficiently. Regina believes that technology can make cities cleaner, safer, and easier to live in. She is a major voice in Kenya’s move toward modern urban development.
8. Nivi Sharma – Transforming Education Through BRCK
Nivi Sharma is the co-founder of BRCK, a company that makes internet tools and digital learning kits. Her biggest project, Kio Kit, provides tablets and educational software to schools in remote areas.
Through her work, thousands of children now have access to digital education, even in villages without internet. Nivi’s goal is to make sure every child in Kenya can learn through technology.
9. Dr. Shikoh Gitau – Expert in Data and Digital Policy
Dr. Shikoh Gitau, the CEO and founder of Qhala, helps companies and governments use data and digital tools to make smart decisions. Her company works on projects in health, finance, and governance.
She believes in using data to create real change and is one of Kenya’s top experts in digital transformation. Dr. Gitau’s work is shaping how Kenya uses technology to solve complex problems.
10. Sheba Njagi – Innovating in HealthTech
Sheba Njagi is the founder of MedLink, a platform that helps connect patients to doctors using mobile phones. Her innovation makes healthcare easier to access, especially in rural areas where hospitals are far away.
With MedLink, people can speak to doctors online, get prescriptions, and even receive follow-up care. Sheba is improving lives and making healthcare more affordable through simple digital tools.
The Future of Women in Technology in Kenya
The future of Kenya’s tech scene is bright, thanks to these amazing women. They are proving that innovation, creativity, and leadership know no gender. Through their work, they are solving problems, creating opportunities, and inspiring others to dream big.
As Kenya continues to grow as a technology hub, more young women will follow their paths and create even greater innovations that will shape Africa’s future.
