Shikoh Gitau facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dr. Shikoh Gitau
At Sangonet's 2009 conference
Born	c. 1981 Mathare, Kenya
Nationality	Kenyan
Alma mater	Africa Nazarene University University of Cape Town
Known for	M-Ganga (founder) Ummeli (founder)

Dr. Shikoh Gitau (born around 1981) is a brilliant computer scientist from Kenya. She studied Computer Science at Africa Nazarene University and later earned her highest degree, a PhD, from the University of Cape Town.

She is famous for creating mobile apps like M-Ganga, which helps with health, and Ummeli, which connects people looking for jobs with employers. Dr. Gitau was the first person from Africa to win a special award called the Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship. She received this award at the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing because of her amazing inventions and research. Today, she works at the African Development Bank (AfDB), helping with technology projects that encourage growth for everyone.

Early Life and Education

Dr. Gitau was born into a working-class family in Mathare, Kenya. When she was very young, her family faced difficulties after a political event in 1982. They had to move to Nakuru to live with relatives.

While growing up in Nakuru, Dr. Gitau saw a university graduation ceremony on television. She remembers watching a woman receive her PhD from the president at the time, Daniel arap Moi. This moment truly inspired her to aim for higher education and achieve great things.

University Studies

Dr. Gitau attended Africa Nazarene University (ANU) in Nairobi for her undergraduate studies. She was an excellent student, always on the Honor Roll and Dean's List for all four years. She also won the university's Merit Award in 2003 and the Leadership Award in 2005.

After graduating, she volunteered for UNICEF for a short time. Then, she worked as a program assistant at the Centre for Multiparty Democracy, a group in Kenya that promotes political action. She worked there until 2007. After that, she went to the University of Cape Town to earn her Master's degree and then her PhD in Computer Science.

Amazing Career and Inventions

Dr. Gitau has worked on many projects to help develop Africa. One of her most famous achievements is her mobile app called "Ummeli." She created this app in June 2010.

The Ummeli App

The Ummeli app helps connect people who are looking for jobs with employers who need their skills. It's very helpful because it's affordable and practical. This app has a huge potential to change how people find jobs in Africa. Currently, Ummeli is available in South Africa, and there are plans for it to be used in other African countries soon.

Working with Google and iHub

In December 2010, Dr. Gitau started working for Google Inc.'s Emerging Markets team. There, she helped create and launch the www.beba.co.ke concept, which was introduced to Kenya's public transport system.

In January 2011, Dr. Gitau also co-founded and became a research mentor for iHub_Research. She was a leader in studying how people use mobile internet in Africa. She also worked on the Microsoft oneApp project.

Current Role at AfDB

Today, Dr. Gitau works in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) department at the African Development Bank (AfDB). She helps develop various technology projects with different governments across Africa, making a big difference in many communities.

Awards and Special Recognitions

Dr. Shikoh Gitau has received many awards for her important work.

On July 31, 2013, she was one of three people to win the ABIE Change Agent Award. She made history by becoming the first African person to win the Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship. She was honored with other winners in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on October 5 during the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing (GHC).

In 2017, Dr. Gitau was recognized as one of the Most Influential Women CEOs in East Africa for the Information and communications technology (ICT) sector by the Independent Magazine.

Other Achievements

• 2005: Top Ten Finalists for Oxford Rhodes Memorial Scholarship
• 2013: Featured on the AfroElle Power List of African women who create positive change
• 2015: Named one of the Top 40 under 40 women to watch in Kenya
• 2015: Became an ASPEN New Voices Fellow