Juliana Rotich is a visionary Kenyan technologist and social entrepreneur whose work has put Africa on the global tech map. After earning a computer science degree in the U.S. and early roles in data analysis, she co-founded Ushahidi in 2008 to crowdsource crisis information and map violence in post-election Kenya. The platform revolutionized global crisis response, later being used in over 160 countries during disasters, elections, and humanitarian efforts. She also co-created BRCK, a rugged, battery-powered modem designed to provide reliable internet during power outages—now used in more than 150 countries.
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Juliana’s influence spans tech startups and strategic roles. She co-founded Nairobi’s iHub, served as executive director for Ushahidi, and led BRCK’s nonprofit arm. In 2022, she became Head of Fintech Integration Solutions at Safaricom, overseeing partnerships around M-PESA and the rollout of innovations like fintech innovation weeks.
Beyond her entrepreneurial achievements, Rotich is a renowned advocate for social impact, gender equality in STEM, and ethical AI. She has served on advisory boards for global organizations including Microsoft 4Afrika, BASF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s AI ethics board, and the Kenya Vision 2030 initiative. Her contributions have earned prestigious recognition, such as the German Africa Prize presented by Angela Merkel in 2019, the DLD Women Impact Award, and honors as a TED Senior Fellow and MIT Media Lab Fellow.
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Juliana’s mission has always been clear: use technology “to fix problems and help people.” From crisis mapping and internet connectivity tools to shaping fintech in East Africa, she’s repeatedly delivered tech solutions that scale—and inspire others. As Kenya—and Africa—shapes its digital future, Rotich stands at the forefront, proving that innovation with purpose can change lives.
