Judith Owigar: Leading Africa’s Tech Revolution

Judith Owigar: Leading Africa’s Tech Revolution. Judith is primarily on a mission to transform Africa’s tech landscape for women and girls! As one of Kenya’s leading social entrepreneurs, Judith has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers. Even so, boosting female participation in technology. She is the co-founder and president of AkiraChix, a social enterprise that empowers women across East Africa with tech training, mentorship, and outreach programs. Her work is truly game-changing for African women in tech!

Judith, along with her friends, launched AkiraChix to address the struggles they faced as women in tech. They wanted to create a community where women could connect, support, and learn from each other. Today, AkiraChix stands as a trailblazing initiative with a vision to “nurture generations of women who use technology to innovate and solve problems for Africa.” This mission has made waves, providing women not only with tech skills but also economic empowerment and leadership opportunities in their communities.

Judith’s journey started in Kenya, where she studied Computer Science at the University of Nairobi, earning both her undergraduate and master’s degrees. She began her tech career as a support specialist at Turnkey Africa, and then as a developer at Ibid Labs. But it was in 2010, at the launch of iHUB (a tech innovation hub in Nairobi), that she noticed the lack of female representation. Inspired, Judith and her friends co-founded AkiraChix to change this gender imbalance by creating programs for women at various stages—from school to early careers to experienced professionals.

But Judith’s impact doesn’t stop with AkiraChix. In 2012, she founded Juakali, an online platform named after the Swahili phrase meaning “get it done.” Juakali connects skilled workers in Kenya’s informal sector with job opportunities in construction, opening doors for low-income earners to improve their livelihoods. This unique approach is revolutionizing employment by focusing on Kenya’s vibrant informal economy.

Judith’s outstanding contributions have earned her several prestigious recognitions. She received the Anita Borg Change Agent Award in 2012, appeared on Kenya’s “Top 40 Women Under 40” list, and was named one of CNN’s “10 African Voices to Follow on Twitter.” She has also shared the stage with former U.S. President Barack Obama and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit.

Today, Judith continues to shape Africa’s future in tech as a member of the Africa WeTech (Women Enhancing Technology) Leadership Council and as an active alumna of St. George’s Primary School. Through her tireless efforts, she’s not just inspiring young women across the continent—she’s giving them the tools to lead Africa’s next tech revolution.