The year 2024 yielded the very first YouthMappers Summit in Kenya. Getting in touch with organizations is a crucial part of students’ career growth. It was, therefore, a golden opportunity for both the YouthMappers and representatives from various organizations to interact, fostering meaningful networks and encouraging future collaborations with various organizations. As I am writing this blog, an organization has reached out for collaboration with YouthMappers in their ongoing project.
The inaugural YouthMappers Summit 2024, held at the University of Nairobi on March 2nd, drew attendees from various universities, geospatial professionals, academics, and organizations across the country. Under the theme "Open Data for Advancing Sustainable Development Goals," the summit aimed to cultivate collaboration, idea exchange, and motivation among youth in leveraging geospatial technologies for sustainable development and societal progress. Through a series of presentations and interactive sessions, participants explored the potential of open mapping, its varied applications, and its significance in addressing local challenges. The event garnered the participation of 130 individuals onsite, fostering a dynamic platform for learning and engagement.
The event's keynote address was delivered by Marcela Zeballos, the managing director of YouthMappers, who graciously acknowledged all speakers and warmly welcomed the audience. Among our esteemed presenters was Dr. Kenneth Mubea from Digital Earth Africa, who demonstrated the efficacy of utilizing processed open data in projects aimed at advancing the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Nancy Kinyua from the Clinton Health Access Initiative Inc. shared illuminating insights into the application of open data within the health sector, while Laura Mugeha from Code for Africa highlighted several successful projects where open data played a pivotal role in achieving sustainable development objectives. Mary Muthee's presentation underscored the transformative potential of the OpenStreetMap (OSM) platform as a global geodatabase, showcasing how its data has positively impacted lives worldwide.
Later in the afternoon, David Marshall, a student from the University of Nairobi, shared his innovative utilization of open data in Kisumu. He detailed how he assisted his community in locating optimal fishing spots in Lake Victoria, thereby enhancing the fishing practices of local fish farmers in the region. Maurine Oyugi, a YouthMappers Regional Ambassador, followed with an insightful presentation on her experience leveraging open data to analyze the repercussions of earthquakes in Oklahoma during her internship at the EarthScope Consortium. Lastly, Boneya Hassan exemplified the critical role of open data in disaster management through his showcase of its application at the Kenya Red Cross Societies. Summit material can be accessed here.
Other activities encompassed a networking session, facilitating interactions among participants from different universities, thereby nurturing potential collaborations for the future. Additionally, engaging and interactive activities like Kahoot quizzes and award ceremonies for winners further heightened participant involvement and enjoyment throughout the event. These moments not only strengthened connections but also added a sense of camaraderie and excitement to the summit experience.
The summit concluded with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the speakers and event planners, followed by the presentation of awards by the Regional Ambassador, who also served as the event organizer. Event planners are as below. Special shoutout to them.
Event planner | Institution – Chapter | Role |
Kereen Wanjiku Njiiru | University of Nairobi | Venue Securing and preparation |
Sylvester Onyango | University of Nairobi | Venue Securing and preparation |
Clarice Ileko Okongo | University of Nairobi | Welfare, venue preparation and participant registration |
Mary Muthee | The Technical University of Kenya | Master of ceremony |
Alex Mwangi | The Technical University of Kenya | Master of ceremony |
Roy Munga | The Technical University of Kenya | Technical Consulting |
Brenda Kajuju | Kenyatta University | Welfare, branding and participant registration |
Tonny Mwendwa Kioko | Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology | Welfare and participant registration |
Valentine Irungu | Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology | Program development and participant registration |
Julius Mwenya Nabera | Laikipia University | Program development |
Levis Pkimoi Ruto | Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology | Branding designs |
Joseph Munyenze | Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology | Awards ceremony facilitation |
A moment of prayer was shared, setting a reflective tone, after which students had the opportunity to share their event experiences and insights gained. The compiled video encapsulates some of the thoughtful responses provided by students: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16u8nCen5302FQ8kd8LCmS8FHWtXiUzZW/view?usp=sharing
About the Author:
Maurine Oyugi, based in Kenya, serves as a YouthMappers Regional Ambassador. Holding a BSc in Geomatic Engineering and Geospatial Information Systems, she is also a GIS consultant at Planate Management Group.
"I firmly believe that establishing connections with organizations is crucial for fostering career advancement. Such connections enable individuals to develop a deeper understanding of why YouthMappers should actively contribute to and utilize open data platforms like OpenStreetMap."