Born: 1977 (Kenya)
Juliana Rotich is a Kenyan information technology professional who has made significant contributions to the field. She is renowned for her work in developing web tools for crowdsourcing crisis information and covering various environmental topics. As a co-founder of iHub, a collective tech space in Nairobi, Kenya, and Ushahidi, an open-source software platform for collecting and mapping information, Rotich has played a critical role in promoting innovation and connectivity in her home country.
Born in 1977 in Kenya, Rotich attended local elementary and secondary schools before continuing her education at the University of Missouri–Kansas City in the United States. There, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. In recognition of her excellence, she also became an MIT Media Lab Fellow.
Rotich’s career began in 1999 when she joined Sprint Nextel Corporation. After working there for several years, she relocated to Chicago, Illinois, in 2005 to take a position at InterCall Inc. In 2006, she became a member of the National Seminars Group, where she contributed by designing and maintaining SQL Server databases. Her skills then brought her to Hewitt Associates in 2007 as a data analyst.
In 2008, Rotich co-founded Ushahidi, a non-profit organization focused on developing open-source software for crisis reporting and information dissemination. The project utilizes geolocation, mobile phone, and web data collected from crowdsourcing to provide valuable insights during times of crisis. Rotich served as the Executive Director of Ushahidi from 2011 to 2015, leading the organization to success and expanding its reach beyond Kenya. The term Ushahidi itself, which means testimony in Swahili, was aptly chosen to represent the platform’s mission.
Under Rotich’s leadership, Ushahidi gained worldwide recognition for its effectiveness in responding to crises. It was first utilized during the Kenyan presidential election crisis of 2007–2008 and has since been deployed in various countries, including Chile, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Pakistan, Tanzania, and Haiti. The software’s ability to gather and map critical information has undoubtedly saved lives and provided valuable resources to affected communities.
Beyond her involvement in Ushahidi, Rotich has also made significant contributions to raising awareness of environmental issues in Africa. Her writing has been featured on Afrigadget.com, and she has served as the Environmental Editor for Global Voices Online. Additionally, she has been a prominent public speaker, known for her insightful commentary on technology in Africa and her advocacy for the preservation of indigenous forests and water catchment areas in Kenya.
In her efforts to bridge the digital divide and ensure internet access in Nairobi, Rotich co-founded BRCK Inc. The company produces a battery-operated modem capable of running for eight hours without electricity, providing a solution to the internet blackout issues faced by many in the city.
Recognizing her expertise and dedication, Rotich has received numerous invitations to speak at prestigious conferences and events. In 2014, she presented at the annual Design Indaba Conference in Cape Town. Additionally, from 2014 to 2015, she served on United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Independent Expert Advisory Group on the Data Revolution for Sustainable Development, playing a crucial role in shaping international policies related to data and sustainable development.
Rotich’s achievements have earned her various awards and accolades. While no comprehensive list of her awards was available, it is evident that her contributions have been highly regarded by her peers and the international community.
Juliana Rotich’s pioneering work in information technology, crisis response, and environmental advocacy has had a significant impact on society. Her dedication to leveraging technology for the greater good, combined with her commitment to preserving the environment, make her an inspiring figure in women’s history. Through her endeavors, Rotich has demonstrated the transformative power of innovation and its potential for positive change, both locally and globally.