Hackathon Winners Shine at Kenya Software & AI Summit, Driving the Nation’s Digital Future
ELDORET, KENYA, November 12, 2025 — Three innovative youth-led teams from the Siaya Hackathon have been crowned national winners at the Kenya Software & AI Summit held at Moi University Annex Campus in Eldoret. The recognition marks a major milestone in Kenya’s push to strengthen its digital economy through community-driven innovation.
The Siaya Hackathon, held from October 13 to 15 at the Siaya Community Digital Hub, brought together 35 talented youth from local communities, including students from Bondo Technical Training Institute and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
Over an intensive 72-hour challenge, participants developed practical digital solutions addressing challenges faced by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) such as limited access to digital payments, poor inventory management, and market inefficiencies.
The event was powered by a strategic partnership involving Konza Technopolis, the Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy, and Huawei Kenya. Konza provided leadership through its Jitume Program, which positioned the Siaya Digital Hub as a local incubator for innovation. The ministry offered policy direction to align the hackathon with national digital goals, while Huawei supported participants with mentorship and its AppCube low-code platform, enabling rapid prototype development.
The winning team, DigitalNest, comprising Hesbon Otieno, David Tonje Wanambisi, Stephen Omondi, Derrick Omwanza, Lorrent Odhiambo, and Grace Oginga, created AGRILINK BONDO, a digital agricultural management system that connects farmers, buyers, and financiers to enhance market access, transparency, and financial inclusion.
In second place, The Sentry Team — led by Blessed Kamungu and Michael Sule developed Dhibiti Stock, a platform helping MSMEs manage inventory, sales, and finances through smart analytics, enabling businesses to improve efficiency and access funding opportunities.
Solutech Team, featuring Dave Ochieng and Lewis Kinoti, took third place with Kazi-Hub, a platform linking informal sector job seekers to local employment opportunities while promoting skills development through training programs.
Konza Technopolis CEO John Paul Okwiri lauded the initiative, saying, “Our national digital skilling programs are not just about jobs but about empowering youth to become creators of global digital value.” Huawei Kenya’s ICT Academy Manager Michael Kamau added that the hackathon’s success shows how Kenya’s digital prosperity can reach every county.
As the Kenya Software & AI Summit concluded, the Siaya Hackathon winners stood as a testament to the power of youth innovation and cross-sector collaboration in building Kenya’s digital future.
