Young innovators from across Kiambu County converged at the Governor’s Office for the AI and Mobile App Development Awards Ceremony, where they showcased mobile applications developed during a three-week digital skill training programme.
The event, organised by the Kiambu County Government on June 9, 2025, marked the culmination of an initiative aimed at equipping youth with coding and app development skills to address real-world challenges through technology.
Eighteen youth groups drawn from across the County had spent the past weeks immersed in a hybrid learning experience—two weeks of physical sessions, followed by a week of virtual training—organised by the Kiambu County Government through the Department of Youth Affairs, Sports and Communication, in collaboration with the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, and fully funded by the County.
Each team took on the challenge of building an App guided by one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), proving that coding could be more than just a skill—it could be a force for good.
From environmental conservation to mental health and education access, the apps reflected the hopes, challenges, and ingenuity of a generation determined to make a difference.
Group Four developed Carbonwise, a user-friendly tool to help reduce carbon footprints, while Group 10 focused on mental well-being among youth with an App that connects users to support and resources.
Meanwhile, Group 11’s Bookness wowed judges with its mission to break barriers to information access. “With Bookness, we want every student, even in remote areas, to have access to knowledge,” said Aisha Wanjiku of Group 11. “Books should not be a privilege but a right,” she added.
The top honours—and a cash prize of Sh100,000—went to Mifugo App, designed to help livestock farmers manage animal health records and vaccination schedules.
The second place, and Sh60,000, went to Kiambu Safi App, which helps citizens report waste and cleanliness issues in their communities, while the third place went to Justice Connect App, which simplifies access to legal services for underserved populations, earning its creators Sh40,000.
All participants received certificates of completion, but the real prize, many said, was the opportunity to learn, collaborate, and imagine new futures.
“This initiative reflects the power of youth-led innovation,” said Dr. James Njogu, Secretary General and CEO of the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO.
“These young minds are solving real problems using technology—this is exactly what our country needs,” he noted.
For Claire Mugo, a student at the Kiambu National Polytechnic, the experience was transformational. “I’ve learnt so much—coding, App design, teamwork,” she said, adding, “I’m truly grateful to the County Government for this opportunity. It has changed my outlook on what I can achieve,” she added.
Ali Osman, County Executive Committee Member for Youth Affairs, Sports and Communication, hailed the programme as a foundation for a tech-driven future.
“This programme is just the beginning. We are investing in a digital future driven by our youth,” he said. “Your creativity, passion, and resilience are commendable,” Osman said.
The event drew participation from several county leaders, including CECM for Water and Environment David Kuria, Chief Officer Godfrey Masolo, and Director of Youth Maryanne Kahuno, all of whom expressed pride in the achievements of the young innovators.
At the end, there was a shared sense that something larger had begun. These weren’t just apps—they were visions for a better tomorrow, crafted by young hands and hopeful hearts. In empowering its youth to build, code, and lead, Kiambu County is investing not just in technology, but in the future of Kenya itself.
By James Guchu and Vivian Makungu
