Juliana Rotich

Juliana Rotich is a renowned Kenyan information technology professional and social entrepreneur, celebrated for her role as the co-founder of Ushahidi, an open-source software platform revolutionizing crisis information management through crowdsourcing and geolocation technology. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a MIT Media Lab Fellowship, Rotich’s expertise lies in leveraging technology to address societal challenges and foster community empowerment.

As the former Executive Director of Ushahidi, Rotich significantly contributed to the organization’s growth and global impact, particularly during critical events like the Kenyan presidential election crisis of 2007-2008. Beyond Ushahidi, she co-founded iHub, a tech innovation hub in Nairobi, Kenya, nurturing the local tech ecosystem, and BRCK Inc., a company developing rugged internet connectivity devices for remote areas.

Rotich’s influence extends to corporate boards and advisory councils, including Standard Group, BASF, and Microsoft’s 4Afrika Advisory Council. She serves on esteemed committees like the AI Ethics and Safety Advisory Committee of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Advisory Committee of the Lemelson Foundation.

Recognized internationally, Rotich has received prestigious awards such as the Schwab Foundation Social Entrepreneur of the Year in Africa by the World Economic Forum in 2011, the Digital, Life, Design (DLD) Women Impact Award, and the German Africa Prize for her remarkable contributions to technology and social impact.

Juliana Rotich’s career exemplifies her unwavering dedication to leveraging technology for positive societal change. Through her innovative ventures and initiatives, she continues to demonstrate the transformative power of technological innovation in empowering communities across Africa and beyond.