On the 20th of April, tech enthusiasts and industry leaders gathered at the inaugural AWS Community Day Event in Nairobi, Kenya. Organized by the AWS User Group Kenya, this event aimed to foster learning, networking, and sharing among the vibrant tech community in the region. Among the attendees was Stewart Mwakasege, representing DA4TI, who walked away with valuable insights and experiences to share.

One of the central themes of the event was the transformative power of cloud computing. Robin Njiru, a regional lead at AWS, highlighted that while a significant portion of global data resides on the cloud, only 10-15% currently does so. This illustrates the immense potential for further cloud adoption. Njiru emphasized that the main barrier to this adoption is not cost or infrastructure but rather the lack of skills in leveraging cloud technologies.

Throughout the day, speakers reiterated the democratizing effect of public cloud platforms like AWS. By providing accessible and scalable infrastructure, these platforms empower both small and large enterprises to innovate without the need for significant upfront investments. This accessibility lowers the barrier to entry into the tech space, opening doors for a wider population of innovators.

A key takeaway from the event was the vital role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of work. Attendees were reminded that in the evolving landscape, individuals and organizations are either utilizing AI to enhance their work or actively involved in building AI platforms and tools. This shift underscores the importance of upskilling and adapting to emerging technologies.

The event also delved into the importance of mindset change in driving effective digital transformation, as highlighted by Dr. Aminah Zawedde from the Ministry of ICT in Uganda. She emphasized that for the public sector to embrace emergent technologies, there must be a concerted effort to shift attitudes and approaches towards innovation.

Cybersecurity emerged as another critical topic of discussion, with calls for governments to consider making cybersecurity a national asset. Yinka Daramola emphasized the need to integrate cybersecurity into every career path and to reduce reliance on human intervention in cybersecurity processes.

Amidst the insightful discussions and presentations, attendees found inspiration in the words of Jeff Bezos, who famously said, “Work Hard, Have Fun, Make History.” This sentiment encapsulated the spirit of the event, where industry leaders and enthusiasts came together to learn, collaborate, and pave the way for future innovations.

The AWS Community Day Event in Nairobi provided a platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration. From AI and cloud computing to cybersecurity and digital transformation, attendees gained valuable insights that will shape their future endeavors in the tech space.

As Stewart Mwakasege reflects on his experience at the event, he looks forward to future gatherings that will continue to empower and elevate the tech community in Kenya and beyond. With events like these, the AWS User Group Kenya is fostering a culture of learning, sharing, and networking, driving innovation and progress in the region’s tech ecosystem.