The University of Nairobi in collaboration with Teki hosted the Inaugural Tech Women Festival on Friday, March 21, 2025. The Festival saw an array of women leaders in various sub-sectors of Technology grace the day and hold insightful discussions under the theme, ‘Digital Heroines: Honoring the Past while Inspiring the Future.’

The day was characterized by Key note speeches and panel discussions by Women representatives from Safaricom, META, LinkedIn, UoN Women Economic Empowerment hub, WOSWA and many other organizations   ‘Creating safer spaces online, creating a Strong and sustainable Mentor mentee Relationships, Fundraising Strategies to grow Women-led Businesses, High-value tech Skills that will accelerate Women growth In Modern World, Encouraging apprenticeship to support and grow girls in Technology, The agile Workplace that will foster growth for Women in Technology, Women in Tech Capacity Development roadmap, Women Economic Empowerment in a digital age were some of the topics of the panel discussions.

Tamara Kertich, a UoN  Faculty of Business and Management Science Student was one of the 25 mentees recognized as a young girl in Digital, who was paired up with a mentor in Industry.  25 mentors who have been recognized as the Top 25 Women in Digital will embark on a 3-month mentorship program. This is an initiative by TEKI Ltd in partnership with Safaricom.

“Today, we recognize that while women in Kenya have made significant strides across various sectors of our economy, the tech industry remains predominantly male-dominated. There is a need for strong voices championing for expanded inclusion and recognition of the contribution that women make at the workplace, in business and in the community…” noted Mr. John Orindi, Director Corporate Affairs during his opening and welcoming remarks encouraging women to amplify their voices for positive change.

Sarah Muyonga, Public Policy Manager East and Horn of Africa (META) highlighted the critical need for creating safe spaces and ecosystems for women through strategic partnership and strong policies. She also emphasized the importance of regulating content on META to safeguard women from harmful, demeaning material that aims to undermine them.

Social media is also a valuable tool to access mentorship programs, exploring modern mentorship challenges; For example how a Gen Z can teach older mentors without offending them owing to the age gap challenges by adapting by meeting half way, emphasizing the need for flexibility and mutual respect

Great brands create an emotional connection! Think of the brand you resonate with and the experience you feel when you use it or talk about it. That’s how YOU should brand yourself—by shaping your narrative, believing in yourself, and staying consistent. Social media is one powerful tool for this, especially since more than 27.4 million people in Kenya (over 50% of the population) are active on social media. ‘The future of branding is personal and social,’ stated Lucia Musau, CEO of African Elite Group Ltd, as she concluded her presentation on personal branding.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi Prof. Margaret Hutchinson, through a speech delivered on her behalf, by Ms Esther Nekesa, UoN Corporate Affairs, acknowledged that UoN was privileged to host this inaugural festival and looks forward to hosting more such festivals. Prof. Hutchinson appreciated the contribution that women have made through the use of technology and the profound impact they have realized. The VC acknowledged the burden of the institution of shaping the mindsets of many young women in Kenya from various backgrounds, noting that a lot can be achieved through mentorship. A lot can be achieved through the demonstration of women who have made history, challenged norms, and broken barriers.

The event concluded with the honoring and awarding of the Top 25 women in digital, who were paired up with mentees based on their chosen areas of specialization. This brought the wonderful initiative by TEKI to a successful conclusion. The mentees are excited about being mentored and mentoring others, marking the completion of the mentorship program and aligning with TEKI’s vision: ‘Inspiring Generations through Technology’.