I grew up in rural Kenya, surrounded by farmlands. It was a simple life, but it shaped the way I think about problems and solutions. I learned early on how important observation and curiosity are, noticing how crops grew and how animals behaved. Later, I went to high school quite far from home and then to Kenyatta University in Nairobi. That’s where my journey toward data science began.
During my third year, I spent a few months at a center for data science in Nyeri, Kenya, which was affiliated with Data Science Africa (DSA). I saw researchers from across Africa presenting innovative projects, from AI in agriculture to health and environmental monitoring. I remember thinking, I want to be part of this world.
After finishing my undergrad in 2023, I applied for the DSA fellowship, an eight-month program that would take me deeper into both research and collaboration. From January to August 2024, I worked on a project with real-world impact. We engaged doctors at a university hospital and collaborated with local institutions, applying data science to medical problems affecting people.
One of the most transformative experiences during my fellowship was helping organize a DSA meeting in Nyeri, which brought together over 300 participants from across Africa. Coordinating logistics, mentoring younger participants, and presenting our work gave me confidence and a sense of responsibility. I realized that being a researcher wasn’t just about your own experiments. It was also about fostering a community, sharing knowledge, and enabling others to succeed.
The fellowship and my time with DSA gave me more than technical skills. It gave me perspective, mentorship, and networks I couldn’t have imagined. I learned how to seek feedback, ask for help, and approach complex problems collaboratively. I also discovered the importance of hands-on experiences: seeing how projects are implemented in real-life settings, not just in theory. That experience has shaped my approach to research, making me more practical, confident, and ambitious.
DSA was foundational to my career. It helped me build the research muscle I needed to pursue meaningful projects. It also showed me the value of community, working with people who believe in you and challenge you to do more.
For young researchers, my advice is: get involved, collaborate across borders, and don’t be afraid to take risks. DSA is a springboard, a network, and a constant reminder that Africa has incredible talent. I can honestly say that my journey as a data scientist wouldn’t be the same without it.