This archive report was first published on 21 May 2020.
Kenya has made a significant leap in innovation with the launch of Gumzo, the first made-in-Africa video conferencing system. Developed by Usiku Games, a Kenyan gaming tech start-up, Gumzo promises to revolutionize the way people connect and communicate.
According to Jay Shapiro, the Founder and CEO of Usiku Games, Gumzo is a turning point in Africa's innovation. "We are glad to have built this video conferencing system here in Kenya for the continent," he said. "This is a turning point in Africa's innovation since our users will be able to enjoy lower rates, longer talk time and host many people at the same time without worrying about their security. We have invested heavily on security and creating a better experience compared to the overseas competition."
One of the key features of Gumzo is its affordability. Users can attend meetings for free, while hosting a meeting costs only Sh100 per week. The system is also secure, with all calls encrypted to ensure that users' calls are private and protected. To ensure a safe environment for users, Gumzo uses local phone number verification and real-names. Meeting hosts can review the live video, name, and phone number of each attendee before allowing them into the room.
Gumzo is also designed to be user-friendly, with a web-based system that can be accessed from any device with a browser. The system is compatible with most smartphones, including Android and iOS devices, and does not require any downloads or plugins. This makes it easily accessible to the majority of Africans who own smartphones.
Usiku Games has committed to making Gumzo available to all public school teachers in Kenya for free use of their virtual classrooms, tuitions, and family calls through the end of the year. The company has also pledged to donate 50 percent of all fees raised on the platform to COVID-19 response Fund, NGOs in Kenya, including the Pwani Youth Network, Team Pankaj & Mombasa Red Cross.
With the launch of Gumzo, Kenya has taken a significant step towards becoming a hub for innovation and technology in Africa. The system has the potential to revolutionize the way people connect and communicate, and its affordability and security features make it an attractive option for individuals and businesses alike.
Published on May 21, 2020, at 4:12 PM EAT.
