This archive report was first published on 29 August 2019.
On August 29, 2019, Facebook celebrated 40 young leaders from sub-Saharan Africa, including seven Kenyans, for their efforts to drive positive change in their communities.
Among the Kenyan awardees was James Odede, a Computer Science graduate from Maseno University who founded Lakehub, a community of techies, design experts, and entrepreneurs based in Kisumu city and its environs.
Since its inception, Lakehub has trained over 50 young people, mostly high school leavers, in Information Technology, addressing the high cost of tech education in the region.
"Tech education is very expensive, especially outside Nairobi. So our initiative is targeting those people who cannot afford to pay high fees charged for the tech training," Odede said during the ceremony.
Another Kenyan awardee, Asha Mweru, uses her Facebook page with over 3,000 followers to support young women entrepreneurs, sharing business ideas and tips on how to grow their businesses.
Her group, Women Work Kenya, also helps followers pool resources and raise capital to launch their business ventures.
Other Kenyan awardees included Paul Lorem, Samantha Mwenda, Sharlene Mule, and Carol Kariuki.
Kezia Anim-Addo, Facebook's communication manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, stated, "I’m so proud that we’re bringing the first event of its kind for Facebook to the Continent and Ghana. At Facebook, we see our role as supporting and investing in various communities here on the continent, in particular, the youth."
