Local Success Stories

• Ushaidi

Ushahidi is a locally developed open source solution for crowd sourcing disaster information which is used globally.

Ushahidi, which translates to “testimony” in Swahili, was developed to map reports of violence in Kenya after the post-election violence in 2008. Since then, thousands have used the crowd sourcing tools to raise their voice.

• OpenBaraza Framework

The OpenBaraza Framework is a development initiative that makes application development easy. OpenBaraza is a feature rich, epic, mature and free framework, developed by elite Kenyan developers.

Baraza has modules for managing human resources and payroll, Banking, Case Management, University management, Saccos and Chamas etc.

The open source way

• Open Exchange

We can learn more from each other when information is open.

• Participation

When we are free to collaborate, we create. We can solve problems that no one person may be able to solve on their own.

• Rapid Prototyping

When you’re free to experiment, you can look at problems in new ways and look for answers in new places. You can learn by doing

• Meritocracy

In a meritocracy, the best ideas win. In a meritocracy, everyone has access to the same information. Successful work determines which projects rise and gather effort from the community.

• Community

Communities are formed around a common purpose. They bring together diverse ideas and share work.