Born: 1979 (Nyeri, Kenya)
Biography:
Dorcas Muthoni, born in 1979 in Nyeri, Kenya, is a remarkable entrepreneur, computer scientist, and founder of OPENWORLD LTD, a software consulting company she established at the young age of 24. With a profound commitment to using technology to transform African society, governments, and enterprises, Muthoni has made significant contributions to the field of computer science and paved the way for technological innovation in Africa.
She completed her studies in Computer Science at the prestigious University of Nairobi, and her educational journey provided her with specialized training in wireless networks, radio-communications, and strategic technology planning, among other subjects. Equipped with her expertise, Muthoni has dedicated herself to leveraging technology to bring about positive change in Africa.
Muthoni’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for technology have led to the creation of various groundbreaking projects and applications. OPENWORLD has been instrumental in developing widely-used web and cloud applications in Africa, such as ARIS, an African Union reporting application used by all 54 member states. Additionally, they have played a pivotal role in developing the Performance Management System for the Government of Kenya, automating performance contracting in the public sector. Another noteworthy achievement is the creation of OpenBusiness, a revolutionary cloud-based tool for managing small and medium-sized businesses.
Not only is Muthoni a trailblazer in the tech industry, but she is also a champion for women in computing. She founded AfChix, a regional organization that focuses on mentorship and capacity building for women in computing across Africa. AfChix has been instrumental in organizing annual Computing Career Conferences, with a specific emphasis on encouraging young women and high school girls to pursue careers in technology. Through continuous career development for women in technology and serving as a role model, Muthoni has become an inspiration to women and girls throughout the African community.
Muthoni’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed, as she has received numerous awards and recognition for her pioneering work. In 2008, she was honored with the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology’s Change Agent award, highlighting her impactful contributions to the field. The following year, she was selected as a Women’s Forum Rising Talent, becoming part of a network of highly talented women with the potential to become influential figures in the future. In 2013, Muthoni was chosen as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, joining a distinguished panel of leaders under the age of 40 from around the world. These accolades showcase the significant impact she has made at a global level.
To further underscore her commitment to empowering women and advancing technological education, Muthoni was awarded an Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) by Pompeu Fabra University in 2017. This esteemed recognition was bestowed upon her for her outstanding work in promoting engineering studies among girls in Africa, her dedication to mentoring young individuals, and her unwavering dedication to fighting poverty.
Dorcas Muthoni’s visionary leadership, coupled with her dynamic approach to utilizing technology, has undeniably positioned her as a catalyst for change in Africa. Through her pioneering work, she has not only transformed the technological landscape but also paved the way for future generations of women in technology.
Awards:
– Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology’s Change Agent award (2008)
– Women’s Forum Rising Talent (2009)
– World Economic Forum Young Global Leader (2013)
– Honorary Doctorate (Honoris Causa) from Pompeu Fabra University (2017)