13 Jan, 2025 By Simon Matheka
Kenyan Software Trends for 2025 

By: Simon Matheka, Founding Member of Orange Nile 

A new year has begun, and it is an essential time for Orange Nile Kenya to equip its members with the skills needed to secure a job, advance in their careers, or shape their futures in software development. Understanding the latest trends is crucial for tailoring the training we offer to the Orange Nile community. 

We have identified six key software and IT innovation trends in Kenya, which I’m excited to share with you: 

1. Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Software Development
AI is increasingly becoming part of software development processes, enhancing efficiency and functionality. According to Michel Isnard from GitLab, AI is transforming the way software is developed, particularly by automating repetitive tasks and improving code quality. In a previous blog post, we explored how our developers are incorporating AI into their daily work. 

2. Rise of Platform Engineering
Platform engineering is gaining traction as Kenyan developers strive to create high-quality, embedded software solutions. One example is the recent collaboration between Oracle Academy and IEEE Kenya to train engineers and software developers in using project management tools like Oracle Primavera. This initiative is aimed at equipping Kenyan tech professionals with advanced skills to enhance their platform development capabilities.

3. Growth of Mobile Application Innovation
Mobile innovation is a major driver of software trends in Kenya, with a focus on simplicity and user-centric designs. A great example is the rise of software vending by phone companies in Kenya, allowing mobile-based solutions to penetrate markets previously underserved by traditional apps. Additionally, companies like FanisiTech are leveraging mobile applications to automate processes in specific industries, such as the beverage market, making operations more efficient and accessible.

4. Education and Training in Software Development
There is an increasing focus on training the next generation of software developers. Initiatives likeZone01 in Kisumu, supported by an $80,000 grant, are dedicated to training hundreds of Kenyan coders, contributing to the growth of the local IT sector. Additionally, some organizations, like ours, provide training without subsidies 😊.

5. International Collaborations in the Technology Sector
Kenya is strengthening its global ICT ties by participating in international summits and collaborations. An example is Kenya’s involvement in the German-African BPO Summit, paving the way for knowledge exchange and technological advancement. Similarly, the governement has announced the launch of the Kenyan Digital Nomad Visa, which is expected to attract global tech talents into the country and pave way for meaningful colloborations with local talent.

6. Tech communities and building in Public
In 2024, tech communities flourished, and more Kenyans embraced “building in public”—the practice of openly sharing a product’s development journey on platforms like X and LinkedIn. For instance, Kaka Ruto’s transparency while building Auto Haven helped him attract investors. Building in public helps developers showcase skills, gain users, and draw investor interest. Similarly, thriving communities like Orange Nile provide opportunities for visibility and collaboration. In 2025, engaging with tech communities and building in public remain powerful ways to grow, network, and be seen in the tech ecosystem.

These trends signal dynamic growth and transformation within the Kenyan software industry. Please let me know what your own experience is with one of more of these software trends in 2025. Reach me on Linkedin.

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Hey, are you a Kenyan .NET software developer? Are you looking to take your career to the next level? Join the Orange Nile Community and supercharge your technical skills and online presence.  Don’t wait—sign up today and start your journey with Orange Nile! Sign up here: https://www.orange-nile.nl/career-boost/

13 dec, 2024 By James Kilungya
How AI is Transforming the Daily Work of Software Developers 

By: James Kilungya, Founding Member of Orange Nile 

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has had a tremendous impact on how software developers perform their tasks. From writing code to testing and debugging, AI tools help developers work faster and more efficiently. In this blog, we explore how developers use AI daily and the benefits it brings with some concrete insights from our Orange Nile development community.

There are in general four possible day-to-day applications for the use of AI in software development:

  1. Code Suggestions and Autocompletion One of the most direct ways AI assists developers is through code suggestions and autocompletion. According to a Stack Overflow survey, 76% of developers use AI coding tools, with 81% reporting increased productivity[1].  Suggestions on online platforms like Reddit and MetaStackExchange indicate that the use of tools like ChatGPT by software developers has led to significantly less frequent visits to the GitHub platform.

  1. Improved Code Quality and Security AI tools like Snyk and DeepCode analyze code to identify bugs and security issues that traditional tools might miss. These tools use machine learning to recognize patterns and suggest improvements, resulting in safer and more reliable software[2].
  1. Accelerated Learning and Development AI also helps developers learn new skills faster. For example, GitHub Copilot can provide contextual assistance when learning new programming languages or frameworks. This makes it easier for developers to adapt to new technologies and expand their knowledge[3]. 
  1. More Efficient Collaboration AI tools enhance team collaboration by automatically generating documentation and code comments, making it easier for team members to understand and contribute to each other’s work. This fosters a more collaborative and productive work environment[4]. 

AI Usage in Coding by Our Orange Nile software development network
Our colleagues at Orange Nile all use AI in their work. Most often, they utilize AI for improving code quality and security, followed closely by accelerated learning and development. Only a few colleagues use AI for code suggestion and auto-completion.  

For example, in the area of accelerated learning, one of our Kenyan colleagues used ChatGPT to draft a questionnaire with 150 questions and answers about the .NET stack to prepare for an interview. Regarding code suggestion, another Kenyan colleague uses AI to copy master data contribution types for a SaaS solution, which saves him a lot of time. 

The Future of AI in Software Development 
While there are concerns about the possibility of AI replacing programmers, the consensus is that AI is more of an enhancement than a replacement. AI tools take over repetitive tasks, allowing developers to focus on more creative and complex aspects of their work. This leads to a more efficient workflow and higher quality software. 

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Hey, are you a Kenyan .NET software developer? Are you looking to take your career to the next level? Join the Orange Nile Community and supercharge your technical skills and online presence.  Don’t wait—sign up today and start your journey with Orange Nile! Sign up here: https://www.orange-nile.nl/career-boost/

18 feb, 2024 By Manolo de la Fuente
“Giving Back” en hoe onze collega’s in Kenia dat doen

Tussen Kerst en Oud en Nieuw in december 2023 gingen de Keniaanse Orange Nile ondernemers James en Simon terug naar hun geboortegrond buiten de stad Nairobi. Het is daar gebruikelijk dat de mensen die terugkeren naar hun dorpen dat wat ze hebben geleerd weer door te geven aan de mensen die daar wonen.

In een (kerk)ruimte worden 140 mensen uit hun kleine gemeente en de omgeving (zie clip) bijgepraat door James en Simon en door anderen die uit het gebied zijn vertrokken. De bezoekers zijn middelbare scholieren, studenten, mensen die lokaal werk hebben gevonden en andere belangstellenden.

Ontwikkelen van de skill-set van de mensen in de gemeente

Alle presentaties op die middag zijn erop gericht om de skill-set van de mensen in de zaal te verbeteren om ze zo uiteindelijk te laten groeien en de kans op een betere opleiding en werk te verhogen. Die middag zijn de volgende onderwerpen gepresenteerd en bediscussieerd:

  • Personality / persoonlijkheid en de types persoonlijkheden die er zijn. Hoe je ze kunt herkennen en hoe je aan jouw persoonlijkheid kan werken
  • Basic IT-vaardigheden, zoals het gebruik van social media platforms, hoe je ze voor jezelf in kunt zetten en het gebruik van ChatGTP
  • Maken en verbeteren van CVs
  • Uitleggen van welke vervolgopleidingen er zijn. Naast campus plekken op universiteiten zijn er ook nog andere opleidingsmogelijkheden. Niet iedereen uit de omgeving is zich daarvan bewust.
  • Daarnaast werden er in die periode ook nog bomen gepland voor het fantastische Keniaanse initiatief om de komende tien jaar in totaal 15 miljard nieuwe bomen te planten. Daar krijgen alle Kenianen ook een dag vrij voor. Even als referentie: Nederland heeft in totaal 334 miljoen bestaande bomen. Daarnaast was er aandacht voor onveiligheid en hoe daarmee om te gaan.

Help elkaar vooruit, iets wat Kenianen gewoon doen

Een breed pallet aan initiatieven om de regio een stap verder te brengen gewoon vanuit de bevolking zelf. Empowerment “from the bottom-up”. Iets wat in Nederland al lang grotendeels hebben uitbesteed aan de overheid. Dat heeft zo zijn voordelen, maar ergens is dat een verlies wat mij betreft. Het voorbeeld van James en Simon is een van de manieren om het sociale netwerk in de eigen buurt te versterken. Dat doen wat zij doen voelt denk ik achteraf beter dan eindeloos oliebollen naar binnen schuiven en vuurwerk afsteken.