The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and founder of EldoHub, a technology, innovation and entrepreneurship hub based in Eldoret, Magdaline Chepkemoi, has underscored the need for helping girls succeed through technology and leadership.
She spoke to students, teachers, and parents, among other stakeholders, during celebrations to mark the International Girl Child Day 2025 in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu, as she encouraged everyone to support girls in learning and growing in matters of technology and leadership.
Chepkemoi, a computer scientist recognised for her work in developing the digital economy and empowering youth and women in Kenya, and a recipient of the Head of State Commendation (HSC) in 2023, indicated that the girl child can do and excel in any academic discipline provided she receives the needed support.
The tech innovation and entrepreneurship expert narrated her personal story.
She said, “I loved math and science, but my family didn’t believe computer science was for girls. They wanted me to be a nurse or a teacher.” But she followed her dream and graduated with first-class honours in computer science. “I proved that girls can do anything,” she exclaimed proudly.
Her organisation, Eldohub, helps young people and women learn digital skills. One of its main programmes is the Eldohub Tech Academy, which teaches skills like coding, teamwork, and communication.
“We want girls to be ready for jobs and even start their own businesses,” Chepkemoi explained. The academy also offers mentorship and business coaching to help youth succeed.
The EldoHub CEO reminded everyone that women have always played important roles in technology.
She acknowledged the contribution of women in technology like Ada Lovelace, a 19th-century British mathematician who wrote the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine and also Grace Hopper, an American mathematician and rear admiral in the US Navy, who was involved in the creation of UNIVAC, the first all-electronic digital computer. She invented the first computer compiler.
“Ada Lovelace was the first computer programmer. Grace Hopper helped make computer languages easier to use. Girls should know these stories and believe in themselves,” alluded Chepkemoi.
She further elaborated about online safety as she urged parents to be more involved in guiding their children as they access online content.
“Children face many dangers online. Parents must teach them not to share private information or talk to strangers,” she warned.
Chepkemoi spoke strongly about education for all girls, including those with disabilities. “Every girl should be in school. If she can’t afford fees, we must help. Girls should also be encouraged to lead,” she said.
she stressed about teenage pregnancy as she called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders, both from the public and private sectors, to sensitise the girls to this threat in order to ensure they flourish in life.
The Tech hub CEO expressed hope and encouragement for girl child success, noting that with education, technology, and respect, both girls and boys can help shape a better future.
“When we give girls the right tools and support, we build stronger communities,” said the EldoHub CEO, Magdalene Chepkemoi.
By Ekuwam Sylvester and Mariam Saleh
