Barcamp Nairobi 08

On Saturday I attended the Barcamp Nairobi 08. When I first heard about the Barcamp I thought it was not for me – I expected it to be too techie for kawaida people with a mild interest in IT like myself. I decided to go anyway to see what I could pick up. In any case my blog friend Louder than Swahili was coming all the way from TZ and boy does that put pressure on a person! I also thought this would be an excellent time to pick up tips on what we can make use of at work.

It was a cold day, and at some point I started dreaming about my bed, a hot cup of coffee and a good book, but I soldiered on. Although some of the stuff went straight over my head, here are some of my impressions:

1. There was a good crowd in spite of the cold and Tusker Safari Sevens. Shows great interest.
2. I was glad that a government official in the person of the Permanent Secretary, Information and Technology, attended to get a glimpse (because there is so much more) of the talent and ideas. Paul Kukubo of the Kenya ICT board (also sponsors) was there too.
3. A lot of this stuff can be made use of, you just have to either figure it out or go see your friendly IT person with some of you own ideas and ask for their adoption. I know I am going to be making a couple of suggestions at work. And also adopt some of peperuka’s I-blog-for-money-only steps to improve your blog.
4. Working in the field of environment I found the Google maps, renewable energy and e-waste sessions useful.
   
5. I definitely like the lightning sessions (say what you want to say in five minutes) – wish more NGOs and Government could work that way - there would be less talk and more action.

My five minutes are up….. but before I go, Fahamu is looking for Kenyan women to mentor women bloggers. Ask for Stella at Fahamu if you have an interest.

White African barcamp photos here.