Episode 002: Nyandia Kamawe

Nkonsonkonson - The Chainlink

Symbol of Unity and collective strength.

“My conversation with Gillian woke up a lot of curiosity in me about my African reality. I hope others listening will also reflect, and together, conversations such as these may act as catalysts to move the needle on realities that continue to impress negatively on Africans decade after decade on and off this magical continent. ”

I became aware of Nyandia during a panel the discussion we were both on, and I felt extremely fortunate to share the panel with someone who is currently training young women in UI/UX Design for a nonprofit organisation training young women in Kenya, AkiraChix. AkiraChix believes in a future of women imagining & building technology that mirrors the people and societies for which they live. 

Nyandia’s began her journey at AkiraChix as a trainer, and eventually an additional role as Branding & Communications Manager up until April 2020. She is currently in the process of establishing her own creative initiative while continuing with training with the same organisation. 

Born in Kenya, Nyandia studied at the Arts Institute in Atlanta, Georgia USA. Nyandia is intrigued by everything people, conversations, and visuals. Having over 10 years of Branding, Design, and teaching. Nyandia’s work at AkiraChix allows enables her to contribute to an inclusive and equitable technical workforce.

For the last 8 years, She has crafted the design curriculum and taught all Design Classes for code Hive and DevMaker studio programs at AkiraChix. She also branded and coordinated AWTC (African Women in Tech - the largest gathering of women in tech in Africa) annually along with all other events held by AkiraChix on an annual basis. 

Nyandia is now developing a new venture Moko Maya, which produces Upcycled glass items: Vases, coasters, candle toppers, hurricanes, plates, glasses, painted bottles.

Find out more on Instagram @MokoMaya