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What does it take to go from coding on a phone during ferry rides to building developer tools at Microsoft? In this captivating conversation, Japheth Obala reveals his remarkable journey from Likoni, Mombasa to becoming the first engineer at Microsoft's Africa Development Center.

Japheth's story begins with a natural talent for mathematics and a dedicated teacher who became a father figure after losing his parent at age 10. His path takes an unexpected turn when security concerns prevent him from attending Garissa University—a decision that likely saved his life from a terrorist attack that would later claim 142 students.

The heart of this episode explores Japheth's obsessive self-teaching process, programming C on his Android phone during ferry commutes before he could afford a laptop. We witness how the Swahili Box tech community provided his first real coding opportunity, leading to the Andela Fellowship that connected him with global companies. Perhaps most fascinating is how a casual algorithm solution scribbled on a napkin during a dinner with Microsoft representatives launched his career at one of tech's giants.

Throughout our conversation, Japheth shares invaluable insights about building developer tools, the challenges of relocating internationally with a young family, and his philosophy on finding fulfillment in tech careers. His perspective on prioritizing craft over compensation offers a refreshing counterpoint to typical tech career narratives.

Whether you're a developer seeking inspiration, someone curious about Africa's tech ecosystem, or simply love stories of unconventional success, this episode delivers profound lessons about passion, opportunity, and the unexpected paths that shape our professional lives.

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Guest
Japheth Obala
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jobala/


Host
Michael Kimathi
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkimathi/
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/m_k_global

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What does it take for a woman to succeed in Africa's male-dominated tech world? Catherline Mirobe's story shows us exactly that - through determination, skill, and an entrepreneurial spirit that refuses to quit.

Growing up between Nairobi and Kisii, Catherline Mirobe transformed from a struggling student to an academic standout, even changing her name to boost her confidence. With her father's guidance - an engineering consultant who repeatedly warned her "no one will give you a job" - she developed an entrepreneurial mindset early. While pursuing her electrical engineering degree at JKUAT, she launched a cake baking business from her tiny apartment, eventually expanding it with her mother's help and saving 200,000 KSH to fund future ventures.

Tragedy struck when her father passed away just before graduation, but Catherline persevered. Combining her engineering expertise with software development skills from Moringa School, she established her own tech business focusing on IoT solutions. Her impressive portfolio includes automated stadium locks, a 360° photo booth built at a quarter of import prices, and an innovative social distancing system for public vehicles. Through TikTok, she's built a following of thousands by authentically showcasing her projects while breaking stereotypes about women in tech.

Beyond creating solutions, Catherline is nurturing the next generation - teaching coding to children using Scratch programming and mentoring students from Tanzania. Her journey proves that with determination and the right mindset, African women can thrive in tech entrepreneurship. As she says, "Just try. You may fail at first, but just try. This field isn't meant only for men." Follow Caterline's inspiring work and discover how you too can turn technical skills into entrepreneurial success.

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What transforms a curious young boy from Likoni into a globally-recognized innovator creating life-changing solutions for fishing communities? In this captivating conversation, Dennis Okangi shares his remarkable journey from watching neighbors' TVs through windows to meeting world leaders and showcasing his innovation across continents.

Growing up as the only boy among five siblings in Mombasa's densely populated Likoni area, Dennis navigated the challenges of shared Swahili houses where multiple families coexist in close quarters with limited privacy and resources. These early experiences shaped his resilience and problem-solving mindset that would later define his entrepreneurial approach.

Dennis takes us through his educational journey – from earning a scholarship to Moi Forces Academy despite scoring below the typical threshold, to switching from an assigned zoology program to computer science at Rongo University. Along the way, he discovered his passion for hardware development through Science Congress competitions and mentorship at Swahili Box tech hub.

With refreshing candor, Dennis unpacks the failures of his first two business ventures, sharing painful lessons about equity distribution, investor relationships, and the importance of market validation. These experiences set the stage for the creation of Kuza Freezer – a revolutionary cold storage solution that's transforming the fish value chain in coastal Kenya.

By collaborating with local boat makers and embracing bottom-up design, Dennis cut production costs by 50% compared to imported alternatives. This approach not only makes the technology accessible to low-income fishing communities but also enables fishermen to preserve their catch longer and sell at fair market prices instead of at throwaway rates.

The impact of Dennis's innovation has earned him recognition across Africa and beyond, with acceleration programs taking him to India, Germany, Algeria, and South Africa. Yet he remains focused on the immense untapped potential within East Africa before expanding further.

Dennis leaves us with powerful insights about entrepreneurship not being "for the faint-hearted" and the wisdom of building solutions by first understanding community problems. His journey reminds us that with resilience, community understanding, and locally-appropriate technology, we can create sustainable solutions that uplift entire communities.

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