KENDI J
THE AUDACITY OF FINDING
HER VOICE
Volume 1, Issue 2, October 2025
WHOLE
The KamiLimu Magazine
www.kamilimu.org
TWO COHORT 9 MENTEES
GROWING INTO THEIR POWER
AND
PLUS THREE
ALUMNI WHOSE WORK
ENRICH THEIR COMMUNITIES
IN MEMORIAM
TIMOTHY WAIHARO KAMAU
WHOLE
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
3
FOUNDER’S NOTE
Welcome to WHOLE.
4
KENDI J
The Audacity of Finding her
Voice.
18
DANNY NDIKURIYO
Gentle with Himself, Across
Borders.
11
MARK TANUI
What You Ask Life, It Pays.
28
MAURINE CHEPKOECH
Rewriting the Formula.
35
NORAH KIMATHI
Choosing Clarity Over Chaos.
40
DANIEL LITUNYA
Blossoming in Community.
54
CONTRIBUTORS
Imagineering at KamiLimu
with Brian Kimani.
24
THE PLAY STATION
Tease and Please your Mind.
46
IN MEMORIAM
Timothy Waiharo Kamau.
2
FOUNDER’S
NOTE
There are journeys that begin with bold declarations, and then
there are those that whisper their way into being. Quiet
commitments, soft questions, small yeses that build over time.
This second issue is a celebration of the latter: the power of
slow growth, of intentional presence, and of courage that isn’t
always loud but is always real.
At the heart of every story in this issue is a common thread—a
commitment
to
community.
Whether
building
tech
ecosystems, mentoring peers, co-creating innovations, or
leading with heart from behind the scenes, our alumni remind
us that personal growth and collective impact are deeply
intertwined. They show us that contribution is not always
about scale, but about showing up, again and again, with
purpose.
This issue also holds space for memory. In honouring the life of
Timothy Waiharo Kamau, a beloved member of Cohort 9 whom
we lost, we remember a spirit who embodied warmth,
dedication, and generosity. His story, shared as the final
reflection in this issue, reminds us that the impact we make
often lives far beyond us.
This issue has been inspired by the song “A Long Walk” by Jill
Scott, a soulful reminder that connection is built one step, one
conversation, one community moment at a time. Tap on the
speaker icon below to enjoy it.
This magazine is to be savoured, slowly and intentionally. It is
to be read and interacted with over several days, talked about
over several weeks, and shared for the rest of time. Welcome
to the WHOLE experience.
Dr. Chao Mbogho
Founder and Lead
3
WHOLE
KENDI
J
WHOLE
There were about thirty people in the room at
a Women Techmakers event on March 30th,
2019, when Kendi took the stage for what
would become her first-ever public speaking
engagement. She was there to give a talk that
included a demo on Google Assistant and had
prepared for weeks. But when she finally said,
“Hi Google,” the device stayed silent. Her voice,
soft and shaky, did not register on the device
and barely carried beyond the front row. The
irony was not lost on her: the woman teaching
others
about
voice‑powered
technology
couldn’t get her own to register. Yet, in that
moment of nervous and quiet embarrassment,
an inner spark was lit. Until then, her name had
appeared on countless tech event posters as
an organizer, but few had actually heard her
speak. That day, as she steadied her breath and
continued, she was not just learning to
command a device; she was learning to
command a room. What she didn’t know then
was that this would be the first of many stages.
The journey to finding her voice had begun
long before that moment, shaped by childhood
curiosity, second chances, and a community
that would later help her turn self‑doubt into
power.
Kendi’s curiosity in computers began long
before university. In her sister’s house, she
often perched beside a desktop that first
served as her Road Rush arcade and later, her
Typing Tutor practice ground. She would write
compositions in Microsoft Word and play with
font colors just for fun, unaware that these
small acts were drawing the sketch of a
foundation to a possible future. But like many
journeys, hers wasn’t linear. After a difficult
academic stint at a first university, which left
her feeling out of place and unsure, she made a
quiet,
brave
pivot
to
Kenya
Methodist
University (KeMU) to pursue BBIT.
Determined to do things differently this time,
Kendi dove in fully, spending time with senior
‘tech nerds,’ leading the drama club as
treasurer in her first year, and slowly finding
the intersection between her creative and
technical self. That same year, her friend
Barbara
Omukhango,
a
mentee
from
KamiLimu’s Cohort 1, invited her to a social
hangout that turned out to be a window into a
community where ambition met belonging.
Later, when she attended a 2017 KamiLimu
graduation and watched the mentees carry
themselves with such purpose, something
clicked. “I didn’t just admire them,” Kendi
remembers. “I saw a version of myself I wanted
to grow into.” She worked hard on her
application to KamiLimu 2018’s cohort and
submitted her essay. When the acceptance
email came through, she knew she had made
the right choice.
Kendi’s KamiLimu experience was defined by
both structure and self-discovery. As one of 35
mentees from nine universities in Cohort 3, she
was immersed in a community that demanded
excellence in every dimension – academics,
communication, professionalism, and peer
mentorship. For her, it was the holistic shaping
that stood out most. “KamiLimu gave me a
completely different perspective on my own
natural power,” she reflects. “It didn’t try to
change who I was; it uncovered what was
already inside of me and gave it room to grow.”
This chance led to a stronger voice, clearer
confidence, and moments that would shape
her public presence. One such moment came
THE AUDACITY OF
FINDING HER VOICE
By Dr. Chao Mbogho
5
WHOLE
when at just 23 years old, she was featured in
the Daily Nation Newspaper on 31st May 2018,
speaking on the future of practical training in
ICT university courses. KamiLimu had helped
her find her voice, and through the newspaper
feature, her voice began to reach the nation.
If KamiLimu shaped Kendi’s confidence, the
friendships she forged there fueled her fire. In
2019, while serving as a peer mentor in the
program, she met two Cohort 4 mentees,
Velda Kiara and Tabitha Kavyu, whose names
and faces kept popping up at tech events.
What began as familiar nods turned into a
sisterhood built on shared ambition, bold
dreams, and unwavering support. The trio
bonded over their desire to build communities,
speak on stages, and create space for more
women in tech. They became each other’s
accountability partners – traveling together,
pushing each other forward, and celebrating
every milestone, big or small. Their shared bond
was proof that sometimes the most powerful
growth happens not just through programs,
but through people who believe in your magic
even before you fully do.
Kendi’s evolution as a community leader was
not a sudden leap but was a steady unfolding,
born from presence, persistence, and purpose.
When she stumbled into a talk on Flutter at an
Android254 event and was captivated by the
presentations, she waited until the room
emptied before quietly approaching the speaker
to say she wanted to help build a community
around Flutter. To her surprise, she was the only
one who had expressed such an interest. That
single moment of courage sparked what would
become one of the most vibrant Flutter
communities in Africa. With support from
Android254 and a venue at iHub, Kendi and her
collaborators
started
building
a
thriving
community in 2019 that grew to a community of
over 3,000 developers in six years.
My evolution as a
community leader was not
a sudden leap, but a
steady unfolding born from
presence, persistence, and
purpose.
6
WHOLE
Veldah Kiara, Tabitha Kavyu, Kendi J
Behind the thriving communities lay the kind of labour few ever saw. There were no salaries
or sponsorship deals, just a relentless belief that tech could be a tool for connection and
change. Kendi and her team often pooled money for snacks, hunted tirelessly for venues,
and made each meetup feel intentional and warm. But it was not just the logistics that were
heavy. The emotional weight of leading, of being the one people looked to for vision and
momentum, often lingered long after the events ended. Some questioned why she poured
so much into “just a community,” unable to appreciate the transformation unfolding in front
of them. Still, she pressed on. “Once you’ve felt the power of community,” she says, “it’s
impossible not to want to give it to someone else.” Through every challenge, she leaned on
her team, which included Eric Muli, Sam Baraka, Danvic Millar, and Isaac Mutie, grateful for
their shared responsibility and commitment. Together, they relied on their community and
mentors, including Harun Wangereka and Frank Tamre, who guided them in creating an
ecosystem of dedicated developers. Collectively, they built more than events; they built a
movement.
Once you’ve felt the power of
community, it is impossible not
to want to give it to someone
else.
7
WHOLE
WHOLE
Through the years, Kendi has racked up moments
she never saw coming, which continue to make
her pause in gratitude. There was the time she
was unexpectedly recruited into a fintech
engineering team at MobiDev Kenya, after being
spotted while organizing and mentoring in the
local tech scene. She joined as the only woman
among seven male engineers who, instead of
making her feel out of place, mentored her and
amplified her growth. And then came the global
stages. In 2022, she funded her own trip to Berlin
for Droidcon Berlin and later volunteered at
Droidcon London, driven by her belief in investing
in herself. In early 2023, she applied to speak at a
conference in Turin, Italy, on “AR in the Wild”, her
first fully sponsored speaking engagement. That
same year, while in Prague to speak at Flutter
Firebase Festival (also sponsored), she received
another invitation to co-present at Droidcon
London with Akanksha Singh, marking yet
another milestone in her journey. But the most
pivotal moment came at Flutter Forward in
Nairobi. Not only was she invited to present, but
Flutter also featured a video she created on tips
to use the framework. What’s more, the event
hosts
acknowledged
the
Kenyan
Flutter
community—her community—as the most vibrant
in Africa. “The community we built from scratch
had made it to the global keynote.”, she shares
proudly. These milestones, both quiet and grand,
affirmed for Kendi that when you lead with heart
and consistency, the world really does take
notice, even when you think no one is watching.
8
Kendi with Akanksha at Droidcon, London
Kendi presenting ‘AR in the Wild’
After years of building and growing through communities, Kendi felt an urge to return to
the classroom, not because she lacked knowledge, but because she wanted to deepen it
with academic grounding. “As a self-taught developer, I’ve always relied on the internet,
communities, and hands-on experience,” she reflects. “But I realized I wanted more than
just knowledge; I wanted to level up my papers.” Pursuing a Master’s in Data Science at
Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) in Hungary marked a turning point and a reentry into
formal learning, but on her own terms. Now in the second month of the program, Kendi is
learning to stretch in new directions. The academic path has not pulled her away from
community; rather, it has refined how she shows up. She is intentionally quieter in public
tech spaces, not because she is less committed, but because she is cultivating a different
kind of contribution rooted in data, depth, and direction. Still, she mentors, she speaks, and
she shows up for those walking paths she once did. For Kendi, growth is a cycle: learn, lead,
step back, and return. And in every chapter, she brings others with her.
Kendi keeps doing hard things and stretching herself with grace and grit. These days, that
has looked like building a backend for a plant-lover app using Go (Golang), exploring AI
endpoints, and experimenting with ways to integrate her curiosity into her craft. But
whether she is architecting solutions or taking quiet walks through Budapest, Kendi carries
with her a philosophy of balance: to be ambitious without burnout, and pursue excellence
without losing joy. And every now and then, when she steps onto new stages or speaks in
new languages, technical or otherwise, she remembers that first day at Women
Techmakers, voice trembling in front of thirty people, hoping Google Assistant would
respond. Today, she commands not just devices, but rooms, communities, and futures. Her
journey is still unfolding, and yet, she already holds multitudes: a self-taught developer, a
global speaker, a student, a sister, a mentor, a builder, and a bridge. Because for Kendi,
audacity, empathy, and excellence are not opposites, they are the three chords of a life
lived out loud.
9
WHOLE
10 WHOLE
MARK
TANUI
11
WHOLE
Joining KamiLimu challenged Mark’s perspective
on growth and self-worth. Surrounded by other
mentees whose seemingly innate creativity
made their work stand out, he initially felt that
his contributions lacked the same polish and
inventiveness. But instead of retreating, he
embraced the environment, choosing to learn,
stretch beyond his perceived limitations, and
grow. “I didn’t feel like I had that finesse that
others had to make their work pop, but I still
made sure to do my best,” he mused. He
acknowledged that while he didn’t always have
the extra spark of originality, he remained open-
minded and curious, knowing that being around
excellence was an opportunity in itself.
While Mark sometimes felt he lacked the
creative flair of his peers, he brought something
equally valuable to the table: a deep-rooted
curiosity and a natural inclination to tinker with
systems. This made the CyberSecurity Track at
KamiLimu a fitting home for his strengths.
Alongside his teammate Allan Gitau, Mark
entered the Red Bull Basement Innovation
Competition, where they co-created Jipange, a
scheduling tool designed to help university
students plan their school and class activities.
Their willingness to learn through the process
propelled them to the national finals, as part of
only 20 teams across the country. Mark’s
innovation streak didn’t end there.
WHAT YOU ASK LIFE,
IT PAYS
By Stephanie Mukami
It is not easy to miss Mark Tanui at KamiLimu.
Whether in a physical session or behind the
screen of a virtual meeting. His energy, style,
and witty humour draw you in. His vibrancy
shines through as he commands the room or
coordinates meetings with seasoned ease.
Beyond the easy confidence, however, lies a
layered
journey
shaped
by
detours,
commitment to service, and fate.
Mark’s path to Computer Science began
unexpectedly, sparked by a moment of
curiosity in his final year of high school. A
feature on Ethical Hacking immediately caught
his eye. It spoke to his desire to be in a
challenging field, one where he could develop
deep expertise. He set his sights on studying
Computer Science at Dedan Kimathi University
of Technology (DeKUT). Like many young
people, his ambitions soon collided with
external pressures—particularly his family’s
expectation that he pursue a Bachelor of
Science in Medicine. Unfortunately, he missed
a spot in the program and enrolled in a degree
in Nutrition and Dietetics instead. Still, his goal
of joining computing never wavered. After
considerable back-and-forth with the faculty,
he finally secured a transfer to pursue a
Bachelor of Science degree in Computer
Science. But once there, a new challenge
surfaced. Practical lessons lacked hands-on
depth, and students were often copying pre-
written code instead of building their own.
Something felt missing. One day, while
scrolling through Twitter (now X), Mark
stumbled on a post by Grace Kahinga, a
KamiLimu
alumnus
from
Cohort
4.
Her
reflections
on
personal
and
professional
growth caught his attention and sparked
something in him. In his first year at university,
he applied to join Cohort 6 of KamiLimu.
12
WHOLE
Together with Dorcas Litunya, Thaddeus Wachira, and Catherine Makori, he developed
Sentinel Master, a Web Application Firewall designed to protect microfinance institutions
from security vulnerabilities. The team clinched first place in the KamiLimu ICT Track
Competition, recognized for both their technical execution and potentially impactful
solution. Mark also received KamiLimu’s 2022 Commendation Award for embodying the
spirit of mentorship, learning, unlearning, and embracing growth. However, his time at
KamiLimu was not just filled with awards; it became a launchpad for aspirations he had not
dared to dream before.
After graduating from KamiLimu, Mark went back to the familiar routine of student life.
Having completed the program early in his academic journey, what had once felt like a head
start now seemed like a disadvantage. He felt that he lacked platforms and opportunities to
utilize the hard-earned skills he learned while in the program, and felt a sense of dread as he
compared himself to his older counterparts who were now applying for jobs and
postgraduate opportunities. A quiet panic began to creep in. Had he joined KamiLimu too
early? What was left to look forward to? It was then that a profound realization struck him.
The purpose of KamiLimu was to empower him to seek out opportunities. He did not have
to wait for a hypothetical perfect time. He already had the skills, from essay writing to public
speaking; everything he had learned was enough to get started.
13
WHOLE
Empowered by this mindset shift, Mark immersed
himself in Cybersecurity, his chosen interest area.
He began cold emailing organizations in search of
internships, sharpening his skills through Capture
The Flag (CTF) competitions, hackathons, and
collaboration with other hackers in related
communities. Wanting to replicate that energy
within his university, he leaned into a lesson he
had internalized from KamiLimu: the power of
initiative. He co-founded and led the Cyber
Security Club of Kimathi, building a space where
like-minded students could connect and grow.
From writing the club’s constitution to recruiting
members and finding a patron, the process
became one of his most fulfilling university
experiences. “It was such a beautiful and fulfilling
experience to create a community from scratch,”
he reflected.
His persistence paid off when he secured a role
as
a
security
analyst
at
Yelbridges,
cybersecurity company, which exposed him to
vibrant, real-world applications in the field.
Furthermore, the club, which grew to 50
members in the 4 years he was part of it, not only
fostered friendships and learning, but it also
became an impetus for more growth. Under his
leadership, a 5-person student team from the
club went on to win the 2024 Global Cyber
Conference CTF Hackathon hosted at Daystar
University.
14
WHOLE
Mark with team members after winning CTF
The Daystar win marked not just a personal triumph for Mark but also reaffirmed his belief
in the power of building with others. Around the same time, he re-integrated into the
KamiLimu community as a peer mentor, guiding four mentees in Cohort 7 through their
personal and professional development. It was a gratifying experience that deepened his
commitment to the values of mentorship and growth, sparking a curiosity: how did
KamiLimu operate so seamlessly behind the scenes? Ever curious and obliging, Mark
offered to help with administrative tasks. What began as small acts of administrative
support gradually transitioned into a formal internship. He now operated at a larger scale,
such as brainstorming for events, managing logistics, supporting committee members, and
following up with both mentees and mentors. While he initially feared that his
contributions might go unnoticed, the opposite proved true. The role became a space
where his ideas were not only welcomed but actively sought out. He developed the
confidence to share his unique perspective, and in doing so, Mark grew into someone who
could influence outcomes, not just follow them.
I grew into someone who could
influence outcomes, not just
follow them.
15 WHOLE
Building on that momentum, Mark continued to lean into spaces that challenged and
inspired him. One such leap took him into the vast, collaborative world of open source. True
to pattern, KamiLimu played a quiet but pivotal role once again, as KamiLimu alumni who
had been previous interns of Outreachy, an organization that provides remote, open-source
internships to individuals from groups underrepresented in the technical industry,
encouraged him to apply. Outreachy is globally competitive, with a selection rate of 4.5%,
and Mark was one of just 26 interns selected for the 2025 cohort. He recently completed the
internship program. Having felt that he had previously spent the majority of his tech journey
outside of the major tech hubs, a deeply immersive opportunity like Outreachy’s internship
was kismet. Mark had been placed with NixOS, a distribution of Linux software where he
was introduced to both a new programming language, Nix, and a deeply technical codebase.
It was not without growing pains, but with the support of his mentors and pair programming
sessions, he actively contributed to the software ecosystem. In the internship, Mark
discovered something that had eluded him in cybersecurity: the joy of building something
and seeing it come to life. His curiosity and openness to learn once again proved to be his
strongest allies.
Every coin has two sides. Now having been deeply immersed in tech circles, Mark
understands both the empowering potential and the underlying challenges of building
shared spaces. Volunteer-led communities, while rich with passion, often grapple with
inconsistent commitment due to personal or external constraints. Funding, too, can be
unpredictable due to bureaucracy or logistical delays. But how does one navigate these
realities? For Mark, the answer lies in open communication, resilience, and unwavering
consistency. These elements are not only vital for bringing new people into the fold but also
for ensuring existing members feel supported and seen. Despite the hurdles, Mark is
convinced that the effort is worthwhile. His own journey is proof: by showing up,
contributing meaningfully, and staying curious, he has grown his soft skills and technical
prowess, all while having immense fun along the way.
WHOLE
16
Looking ahead, Mark is determined to deepen his
expertise in Computer Science by pursuing graduate
studies. His goal is to master advanced concepts
across hardware, software, and firmware to broaden
his knowledge and sharpen his technical versatility.
He
acknowledges
that
the
graduate
school
application process can be daunting, but he
approaches it with the same resilience and focus that
have defined his journey so far. Already, he is actively
contributing to the global knowledge pool in
Computer Science. He recently co-authored his first
peer-reviewed publication, accepted for presentation
at the ACM CompEd Conference in Botswana,
October 2025. Fittingly, the paper centers on
KamiLimu. Titled “Nurturing Early-Career Responsible
Tech Innovators Using Out-of-Classroom Upskilling in
Kenya,” the publication explores the innovation track
curriculum,
analyzing
attendance
data,
session
ratings, and student projects to highlight how
experiential learning can advance tech education.
For Mark, carrying the mantle of growth, whether
through teaching, mentoring, running a marathon, or
building a community, is not just a choice; it’s a
devotion. No matter where his journey leads, one
principle remains constant: to live with intention,
initiative, and the courage to take the harder path
when it matters. As he eloquently puts it on his
personal website, “Life is a just employer. What you
ask, it pays. But once you set the wages, you have to
work as much.” This quote is a mindset he embodies
daily, and one that challenges all of us to dream
boldly, commit fully, and show up for the work.
Life is a just employer.
What you ask, it pays.
But once you set the
wages, you have to
work as much.
17
WHOLE
DANNY
NDIKURIYO
18
WHOLE
Life in Burundi was simple but full of
warmth. Born a French speaker, Danny
grew up with his two siblings and mother,
a primary school teacher. When he was
not spending countless hours with his
siblings, Delly and Henriette, on the
basketball court near home, they were
flipping and plunging on the heaps of
dried bean husks left after harvest. Danny
once dreamed of studying medicine in
China and becoming a medical doctor. He
was ambitious and excelled in school. At
17, he graduated from high school with the
second-highest score in Burundi’s national
examination. He was admitted to the
University of Burundi to pursue medicine,
but not long after, he crossed borders to
pursue a different path. In search of
international
opportunities
beyond
Burundi, Danny joined the Tujenge scholars
program.
This
full-time
preparatory
program equipped him with skills and
connections to apply for scholarships.
Danny applied and was admitted to USIU-
Africa in Nairobi, on a fully funded
Mastercard Foundation scholarship to
study Pharmacy. Danny boarded a plane
for the first time to move three borders
away from home to Nairobi.
19
WHOLE
GENTLE WITH
HIMSELF, ACROSS
BORDERS
By Mark Tanui
When he landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in August 2022, his suitcase carried
more than clothes and shoes; it brought his family’s hopes and a heavier determination to
make the most of the scholarship. The flight was a journey across borders and the beginning
of a new chapter that would shape the person he is becoming today. Settling in at USIU
came with navigating diversity among students from over 60 countries and forging
friendships born from curiosity. The kind that made him ask questions, offer opinions, and
engage deeply. Just before his first class, Danny was introduced to the Pharmacy labs, where
he quickly discovered that he could not stand the cadavers used to teach anatomy. The
same day, he switched to pursue a BSc in Software Engineering, comforting himself that it
was still a science course and there was no challenge he could not surmount. But the reality
set in fast. “Studying Software Engineering turned out to be very hard”, Danny recalls. I did
not know anyone who had finished Computer Science, so I had no roadmap or mentorship
to lean on. Coupled with the challenges of adjusting to a new country, that lack of support
made the early days extremely tough.”
Despite what his good grades suggested, Danny barely survived his first semester at
university. He felt waterboarded trying to make sense of the course and its prospects, all
while improving his English, adjusting to a new city, and playing volleyball religiously. It was
on the court that he met Abigail Ayimbisa, who seemed to juggle school, sports, and
student leadership with ease. He admired this quality and could not help but ask her how
she managed to do it all. Abigael responded with a frenzy of information about KamiLimu, a
mentorship program that could allegedly teach him all she knew about excelling in class,
sport, and leadership. Danny remembers thinking, “Kami…—what?” and applying without
knowing how to pronounce it correctly.
20 WHOLE