In Nairobi

Ever since I read this post on AllKaw, I began wondering how nerds actually get it done… in Nairobi. As I found out, there really wasn’t as big of a difference between ‘them’ and your everyday nerd in Nairobi. Well, not really your everyday nerds, these are. Infact, they are, in my opinion, future icons of our industry. But I digress.
So I basically asked the same questions from AllKaw and they were happy to share In the next couple of posts I will sample them.

1. Wilfred Mworia – Founder African Pixel and Afrinnovator.

Who You Are and What You Do…?

Wilfred Mworia (Will) has been active in the Kenyan development scene for the last 5 years. He has worked for several software companies locally. Before venturing into the start-up world he last worked as a technical evangelist (academic) at Microsoft East Africa.
Today, he runs a mobile applications development startup called African Pixel (http://www.africanpixel.com) that focuses on Smartphone applications development. He has also been involved in low end/SMS (mobile apps for social change) type of applications.
Will has also been a speaker at several local technology events and has been involved with the MIT-AITI program amongst other initiatives locally.
He has to his name several other successful other ventures including the latest Afrinnovator.
Will blogs at http://wmworia.wordpress.com

What Hardware do you use in the Office?
I use a 13″ MacBook. I have a combo printer-scanner-fax-copier machine. For internet I mostly rely on dongles from Orange or Safaricom. I’m thinking of switching to a better solution though…

What Hardware do you use at Home?
Mostly same as above. I use an iPhone 3GS which is also what I use to take photos and video so I don’t have separate gagdets for these, it’s like my one gadget to rule them all though I’m thinking of getting a good camera.

What Software do you use?
I use Mac OS X Leopard, for writing code mostly Xcode. I’m not very good at maintaining an RSS reader but I use NewsFire. Browser – I have come to love Google Chrome and Firefox comes a close second. I use Tweetie for Twitter (love it). I use Audacity for podcasts. Photoshop for basic image editing.

What would be your dream setup?
MacBook pro on the go (I’m more of a mobile worker). An iMac at home (… and maybe a PC)

2. Gichingiri Kuria – Graphic Designer.

Who You Are and What You Do?
I have only met Gichingiri once but he’s arguably one of the best web-devs I’ve come to recognize in terms of both his sites’ form and function.

If you need something that involves visual communication, I can do that for you in exchange for money (or alternatively, you can pay his rent and feed me).

says Gichingiri, on his site.
He runs his own outfit Sokoletu which has a portfolio that speaks for itself. From his Webfolio one thing that strikes me ’bout this cool kat, he does not hide that the does CMS and is actually proud of doing it so well!To the many-a-Joomla haters, don’t h8 cre8!
Other than being a web designer during the week he’s a biker on weekends – when he gets ‘permission’ away from family.

What Hardware do you use in the Office?
MacBook, clone desktop, Epson printer, Wacom tablet, Netgear router, Zuku internet connection, Nokia E series phone and I-Pod – 5th generation.

What Hardware do you use at Home?
Same as above (house office).

What Software do you use?
Mac OS Snow Leopard, Ubuntu 9.10, Adobe CS3, iWork, Open Office.

What would be your dream setup?
27 inch imac, MacBook 15 inch, iphone, BMW F800GS (bike), 10mbps net connection (though I’m not sure why).

Many more Nairobi Nerds have shared, watch this space for Kahenya, Erik and more…