On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, University of Nairobi hosted the inaugural Tech Women Festival, a groundbreaking event organized by Teki. The festival culminated in an awards ceremony honoring the Top 25 Women and Girls for their exceptional contributions to Kenya’s digital industry. The event celebrated milestones but also spotlighted the ongoing journey toward gender equity in tech.
Recognizing Trailblazers and Innovators
The Top 25 Women and Girls Awards shone a light on digital heroines who have not only excelled in their fields but also mentored the next generation of tech talent. From business technology to healthcare, agriculture, and education, the winners represent a diverse array of specializations driving Kenya’s digital transformation. The full list of winners, paired through Teki’s Spark mentorship program, highlights the synergy between accomplished women and promising girls. Notable honorees included Safaricom’s Donna Rege, recognized for her work in information technology, and Nyandia Gachago, paired with mentee Whitney Shisia in business technology.
Mr. Martin Muli, Teki’s CEO and festival director, emphasized the awards’ purpose: “The Awards were created to recognize digital heroines who have mentored young girls and influenced the direction that the tech industry has taken. It was fantastic to host so many women and girls doing exemplary things in the digital space to positively transform lives.” Selected by an independent panel, the winners were chosen for their mentorship efforts and innovative contributions, reflecting Teki’s mission to empower 10,000 girls across Kenya’s counties with tech skills and startup knowledge.
A Platform for Connection and Change
The day-long festival brought together digital practitioners, innovators, and industry leaders to celebrate achievements, explore policy gaps, and network. University of Nairobi’s Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Margaret Hutchinson, delivered a powerful call to action via Esther Nekesa, urging public and corporate organizations to foster environments where women’s voices are heard and contributions valued. “At the university, we remain committed to empowering women in all fields, especially in technology, by providing access to education, mentorship, and networks that can help them realize their full potential,” she said, highlighting the university’s focus on digitalization as a core pillar.
Donna Rege echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for more platforms to challenge gender bias in tech. “As women, we also need to invest in ourselves to accelerate initiatives that empower us to exploit opportunities in the tech industry,” she remarked, inspiring attendees to take proactive steps toward equity.
Mentorship Program
The festival’s Spark mentorship program is a tangible step forward, pairing seasoned professionals with young innovators. By equipping girls with skills, confidence, and role models, Teki aims to reshape the industry’s future.
The Winners
Here’s the complete list of the Top 25 Women and their mentees, along with the mentees’ areas of specialization:
- Nyandia Gachago & Whitney Shisia – Business Technology
- Amelia Aganda & Celestine Sibanda – Business Technology
- Maureen Were & Ivylena Gakii – Healthcare Technology
- Eunie Khimulu & Victoria Grace Kiende – Retail Technology
- Shitawa Maryam & Phoebe Ndegwa – Agricultural Technology
- Lucy Kagia & Joanna Atetwe – Social Digital Impact
- Winnie Karanu & Emma Neema – Product Design
- Jenny Kariuki & Beryl Atieno Arwa – Manufacturing Technology
- Frida Mwangi & Florence Terrry Nyamweru – (Specialization not specified)
- Felistus Mwangi & Kiarie – Business Technology
- Wairimi Nduhiu & Sheila Gatwiri Mutembei – Agricultural Technology
- Mercy Mau & Murray Niduhia – Nutrition & Dietetics
- Nelly Ndonye & Mary Nzomo – Sustainable Social Impact
- Flavia Othim & Caroline Wanja – Financial Technology
- Jennifer Chiku & Sintoyia Kipury – Project Management Leadership
- Rachael Karanu & Murembe Leslie Makonjo – Entertainment Technology
- Nelly Kihenjo & Tonia Kubai – Business Technology
- Naomi Mutua & Mercy Kuria – Healthcare Technology
- Brendah Mwirichia & Pauline Muthoni – Business Technology
- Kavata Wafula & Noella Addikah – Impact Economics
- Priscilla Muhiu & Margret Nyambura – Business Technology
- Sarah Muyonga & Rufena Nyaboke Orenge – Education Technology
- Lucia Musau & Phouze Esther Opondo – Healthcare Technology
- Mercy Ndegwa & Yvonne Chemutai Kipsat – Business Technology
- Donna Rege & Tamara Kertich – Information Technology
Future
The Tech Women Festival 2025 was a rallying cry for inclusion, innovation, and empowerment. As Kenya’s digital landscape evolves, the contributions of these 25 women and their mentees will undoubtedly inspire a new generation to break barriers and build a more equitable tech ecosystem.
