Born: circa 1981 (Mathare, Kenya)
Biography:
Dr. Shikoh Gitau (circa 1981) is a Kenyan computer scientist known for her significant contributions to the field of mobile applications and her commitment to promoting health, medicine, and inclusive growth in Africa. She has been recognized for her innovative inventions and awarded the prestigious Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship. Gitau’s diverse career has spanned academia, research, and industry, and she continues to play a vital role in African development through her work at the African Development Bank.
Gitau was born in Mathare, Kenya, to a working-class family. However, shortly after her birth, her family lost their property during the aftermath of the 1982 Kenyan Coup D’état Attempt. As a result, they were forced to move and settle with relatives in Nakuru. During her childhood in Nakuru, Gitau had a transformative experience when she witnessed a woman receiving a PhD from then-President Daniel arap Moi during a collegiate graduation ceremony on television. This momentous event sparked her determination to pursue higher education and set her on a path of academic excellence.
She completed her undergraduate studies in Computer Science at the Africa Nazarene University (ANU) in Nairobi. Throughout her four years at ANU, Gitau consistently earned a place on the Honor Roll and Dean’s List, showcasing her exceptional academic abilities. In recognition of her outstanding performance, she was awarded the university’s Merit and Leadership Awards in 2003 and 2005, respectively. Following her graduation, she worked briefly as a UNICEF volunteer before joining the Centre for Multiparty Democracy, a Kenyan political activism group, as a program’s assistant.
In 2007, Gitau embarked on a new academic journey by enrolling in the University of Cape Town to pursue an M.Sc. and subsequently a PhD in Computer Science. Her time at Cape Town allowed her to delve deeper into her passion for technology and its potential for societal impact. Gitau’s intellectual contributions were widely recognized, and she gained prominence for her groundbreaking inventions and research in the field of mobile applications.
One of Gitau’s most notable achievements is the development of Ummeli, a mobile application designed to connect unemployed individuals with employment opportunities. Launched in June 2010, Ummeli addresses the pressing issue of unemployment in Africa by directly linking job seekers with employers in need of their skills. The cost-effective and user-friendly nature of Ummeli positions it as a powerful tool to transform labor markets and combat unemployment. Initially introduced in South Africa, it is expected to expand its reach to other African countries.
Gitau’s dedication to advancing technology for social good led her to join Google Inc.’s Emerging Markets team in December 2010. Here, she played an instrumental role in identifying, researching, and designing the beba.co.ke concept, which aimed to revolutionize Kenya’s transit system. Her efforts demonstrated her ability to combine innovation and practicality to bring about meaningful change.
In January 2011, Gitau co-founded and became a research mentor for iHub_Research. As part of this initiative, she was at the forefront of studying mobile internet usage in Africa and contributed to the Microsoft oneApp project. Her research not only provided valuable insights into mobile technology patterns but also paved the way for future advancements in the field.
Presently, Gitau is an integral member of the ICT department at the African Development Bank (AfDB). Through her role, she actively contributes to the Technology Innovations for Inclusive Growth program, working closely with governments across Africa to develop and implement various projects. Gitau’s expertise and relentless dedication to driving positive change continue to inspire and transform the African technology landscape.
Awards:
– Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship