For a long time, the tech scene in Kenya was considered to be a domain for men. However, one lady continues to defy the odds at the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) Board of Kenya. Ms. Kaburo Kobia, who is Project Manager for Local Digital Content has been very instrumental in ensuring the growth of innovative technology in business.

“I was always fascinated about computers, but my original love was for art and design. I studied Fine Arts at university and was fortunate to be exposed to computer-generated art. In the late 1990s, I started designing websites and that led to a career in digital media and communications,” says the caramel-skinned techie. One of the constant issues Ms. Kaburo bemoans is the underrepresentation of women in the Kenyan tech industry.

She explains, “In our programs at the Kenya ICT board, we find that only about 15% of our participants are women. If, as a country, we are to reach the goals outlined in vision 2030, then we must get more women to work in the ICT industry.” According to her, the interventions for addressing the low numbers of women choosing a career in ICT must come from all angles. Ms. Kaburo applauds the work already being done at the University of Nairobi’s FabLab Outreach Program.

“The program uses colorful blocks and tools from Picoblock and GogoBoard Kits to teach kids the basics of science, engineering and robotics. Programs like this and other home-grown initiatives must get the support they need to reach schools across the country,” she says.

The second option would be to raise the profile of women. “The Kenyan women in tech are awesome. We’ve got software developers and entrepreneurs, engineers and inventors, bloggers and designers,” Ms. Kaburo states firmly. “You’ll find women across the ICT spectrum working hard and achieving great things. Their role and their voices need to be amplified.”

For more information on the Kenya ICT Board visit, www.ict.go.ke.