Kisumu-based innovation and technology hub LakeHub officially launches today, being unveiled as the first such centre in Western Kenya.
LakeHub as a concept was born almost two years ago when a few enthusiastic techies in the area decided to build a home for technologists in the region, with the idea developing into a series of informal meetings of tech enthusiasts that pulled in increasingly more people. It established its current physical space in September 2014.
The hub said its community has become a “full-force hub buzzing with activities day-in day-out”, and it planned to celebrate its growth by holding a formal launch event.
“Our intention was to encourage information and technology types to walk in and look for like-minded folk so that they could talk to each other and figure out if they could work together on projects that will transform society,” LakeHub said.
“Six months later, we have tracked more than 400 unique walk-ins, about 80 each week. We have about 50 regular members who meet to regularly work in user groups such as those in mobile development, design, computer science, networking and entrepreneurship just to mention but a few. While these meet-ups have largely been informal, members have managed to come up with and working on projects that are destined to transform Western Kenya.”
One of these projects is Village Code, which sees volunteers go into schools to equip children with programming and entrepreneurial skills, while LakeHub is also working on the Kisumu Schools Online project. This initiative will provide schools in Western Kenya with free websites, in order to bring as many schools as possible online and give people access to information on them.
“With the progress that we have noted, the LakeHub community can be seen as a game-changer in months and years to come. We have tested the interest, it is there. By formally launching our activities, we are affirming our position and commitment in transforming our counties and by large our country through the use of technology,” LakeHub said.
