Kenya’s iHub is moving into its “next chapter”, with new funding on board and a new chief executive officer (CEO) on the agenda. Now, the renowned innovation space wants you to play a part in its future.
Launched in Nairobi in 2010, the iHub provides a home for Kenya’s tech community and allows developers and entrepreneurs to connect and work on ideas. It currently has more than 16,000 members, and also includes the m:lab incubator, iHub Research and Gearbox.
Disrupt Africa reported in March the hub had raised funding from local investors Bitange Ndemo, Becky Wanjiku, Ken Mwenda and Miguel Granier as it moved into what co-founder Erik Hersman described as the “next chapter”, while it is now on the hunt for a CEO to help it scale operations.
iHub executive director Josiah Mugambi said last week a key goal is getting the local tech industry more involved in the iHub, which he said is a crucial part of strengthening the organisation.
A forum has now been scheduled for Monday, June 20 between 6pm and 8pm to map out how anyone interested in being closely involved can be part of the next chapter of the iHub.
By end of 2015, internally-generated revenue consisted of about 70 per cent of the hub’s budget, with the iHub team now aiming for the hub to become 100 per cent sustainable this year. Mugambi said this would give it the flexibility to create the programmes that the community needs most, and create a bigger space to accommodate its growing membership.
“As we move into this new season, I remain excited and committed to the ongoing success of iHub,” Mugambi said.
“I will continue to be a big part of the organisation, moving into a new strategic role that looks to extend our vision beyond Nairobi. iHub has been an instrumental catalyst in supporting Kenya’s tech ecosystem and I look forward to continuing to be a part of seeing that vision grow and spread.”
