Paul Akwabi’s life story is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of education. Growing up in Kibera, he faced significant challenges, including the death of his father at a young age. This loss forced him to live with relatives and struggle with financial difficulties, often unable to pay for his education.
Despite these hardships, Akwabi’s determination to succeed never wavered. He found inspiration in a blind teacher who wanted to learn about computers. This meeting ignited his passion for technology.
After high school, Akwabi worked various jobs to save money for his education. He hawked at the Busia border and cleaned buildings. With just KSh 10,000, he enrolled in the Technical University of Kenya to study computer science. He lived on the rooftop of a building in Mombasa.
He continued to work hard. He even borrowed laptops from classmates to finish his coursework. His perseverance paid off when he developed a mobile app called M-Shamba. This app won several prestigious ICT awards. This marked a significant milestone in his tech career.
Akwabi’s big break came when he met a Norwegian investor. The investor recognized his potential and introduced him to a young IT prodigy. This meeting inspired him to create opportunities for other young minds in technology.
This led to the establishment of Tech Kidz Africa. This initiative focuses on teaching children essential tech skills. Under Akwabi’s leadership, it has successfully nurtured many talented young coders. These coders have gained national recognition.
Recognizing the need for teachers to keep pace with technological advancements, Akwabi launched a new project called “Experience AI.” This ambitious program aims to train 100,000 Kenyan teachers in artificial intelligence over the next two years.
It ensures that educators are equipped to guide the next generation of innovators. Akwabi’s journey from a struggling boy in Kibera to a successful tech entrepreneur. He also became an educator. This exemplifies the impact of determination and the importance of education in overcoming adversity.
