Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday, March 20 made an unannounced visit to tech hubs iHub, m:lab East Africa and Nailab to hear about and meet innovative startups based at the incubators.
Kenyatta began his visit at the iHub, before moving on to m:lab East Africa and Nailab, which is partly funded by the government and where he met the latest batch of startups undergoing incubation.
iHub said the visit was a total surprise, to the point a community member taking part in a show and tell session was momentarily lost for words by the arrival of the president.
“In a visit devoid of most formalities, the president took his time to listen, learn and inquire about all the technology labs and hubs at the Bishop Magua Centre,” iHub said.
“The reach of iHub Research seemed to surprise him, probably because the space looked small for the scope that the team covers. His interest was particularly piqued by Gearbox, who have a small space at iHub Research as they scout for an ideal place to build their offices.”
Kenyatta also met the team from Akirachix, which provides opportunities for young girls from low-income backgrounds to learn technology and design, while he also visited the Ushahidi and BRCK teams.
“He left just as he arrived, seamlessly. Above being impressed by the various initiatives, it was apparent that he was also interested in the nascent hardware space, especially BRCK and Gearbox,” iHub said.
“Perhaps, that should be a sign for all makers and builders that to take wholly take up their vocation as the country could be in need for more home grown products.”
