As 2024 comes to a close, we find ourselves looking back on an extraordinary year filled with milestones and meaningful moments. Amid the festive buzz and year-end preparations, we’re taking a moment to celebrate, reflect, and appreciate the incredible journey we’ve had. It has been a journey of partnerships, innovation, and transformation, all fueled by a shared vision of advancing sustainable development and strengthening local changemakers. Here are some key moments that defined our year:
- Winning the SDG Annual Award
One of our proudest moments this year was receiving the SDG Annual Award at the Annual MultiStakeholder Conference on SDG Implementation. This recognition celebrated our work on the Voluntary National Reporting for the SDGs.
The theme of this year’s conference, “Solutions to Leapfrog SDG Implementation in the Last Stretch to 2030”, sparked critical conversations on how data can be harnessed to achieve measurable progress. A key takeaway was the need to collect accurate, actionable data that reflects the realities on the ground such as how climate change is impacting farmers or how local communities navigate their challenges.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Benjamin Charagu, Christine Ajulu, and our Programs Team for their relentless dedication. Looking at 2025 we are inspired to continue building on the momentum of this milestone.
- Building Capacity in Data Protection
This year, we expanded our efforts to strengthen data governance through Data Protection Capacity Building Workshops in Kilifi and Nandi Counties.
In Kilifi, we trained government officials on the importance of Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), laying the groundwork for a culture of trust, transparency, and accountability. These workshops also highlighted the critical role of public participation in shaping effective data governance practices, ensuring that decision-making is inclusive and representative of the people’s needs.
Building our work in Kilifi County, we were also granted the opportunity to run #FichaUchi Phase Five, a grassroots sensitisation campaign aimed at localising data privacy and protection conversations at the county level, starting with Kilifi. The objectives of this phase focused on educating citizens about practical data protection skills, their rights under the Data Protection Act, addressing feelings of powerlessness in safeguarding their data, and raising awareness about the role of the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner. We shall be sharing our findings and insights from this campaign soon. Stay tuned!
Meanwhile, in Nandi, we deepened our engagement by collaborating closely with representatives from key departments, including Health, Agriculture, Education & Vocational Training, Finance & Economic Planning, Trade, Tourism & Industrialization, Roads, Public Works & Infrastructure, Administration, ICT, and the Public Service Board.
The positive reception and adoption in both Kilifi and Nandi counties have been nothing short of inspiring. These successes serve as a springboard for us to scale these efforts nationwide, helping counties across the country establish robust data governance systems that protect citizens’ information while driving development forward.
As we move forward, we remain committed to promoting a data culture that not only meets compliance requirements but also reflects the values of equity, trust, and shared responsibility.
- Celebrating Al Kags as an Ashoka Fellow
Another win for us this year was seeing our Executive Director, Al Kags, named an Ashoka Africa Fellow. This is a prestigious recognition that celebrates his visionary leadership in advancing data governance and fostering active citizenship across Africa.
The Ashoka Fellowship aligns seamlessly with our mission, reinforcing our core values of integrity, inclusion, and impact. It’s a proud moment for the entire organization, as Al’s journey reflects the principles we strive to uphold in everything we do.
Want to know more about Al’s Work? Read here!
- Amplifying Our Voice at CTIF 2024
At the Civic Tech Innovation Forum (CTIF 2024), we had the privilege of sharing our experiences and insights on data protection, open data, and community empowerment.
Our Deputy Executive Director, Loise Mboo, Communications Manager, Esther Njagi, and Director of Technology, John Mucheke participated in engaging panels, discussing the intersection of technology, community, and self. These discussions emphasized the importance of legal frameworks in enabling open data initiatives and highlighted our ongoing efforts to educate Kenyans on data privacy.
CTIF reaffirmed our commitment to making data protection accessible and relevant, especially for underserved communities.
- Innovating for a Data-Driven Africa
In Kigali, Rwanda, we participated in the Second Edition of the Innovate Africa Symposium, where we championed the creation of a Harmonized Data Governance Framework for East Africa.
Al Kags, our Executive Director, eloquently articulated the potential of integrating diverse data sources to create a comprehensive picture of Africa’s development landscape. This framework will not only address unique regional needs but also establish consistent standards for data protection and privacy across East Africa.
Through this initiative, we envision a future where collaboration and innovation drive sustainable progress.
- Strengthening Partnerships
In September, we hosted our Partners Breakfast Meeting, bringing together over 30 representatives from county governments, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
The focus of the discussions was leveraging data to improve service delivery, particularly in healthcare. From transforming healthcare systems to enhancing public participation, these partnerships highlight the profound impact of strategic data use.
Collaborations like these are central to our mission of creating a clear roadmap for data utilization across regions. As we strive to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 on health and well-being, we are reminded that achieving these targets depends on strong partnerships, data-driven decision-making, and a clear understanding of the needs of citizens. The insights gained from both Nandi and Kilifi counties demonstrate the profound impact that data can have in transforming governance and improving lives.
Together, we are committed to fostering partnerships that drive sustainable development and ensure a brighter future for all.
- Introducing Sabasi Suite and Somo
In November, we proudly launched Sabasi Suite, a cutting-edge platform designed to transform data collection, analysis, and sharing. Built with Africa’s diverse needs in mind, Sabasi Suite helps researchers, policymakers, nonprofits, and businesses to turn data into actionable insights.
Alongside Sabasi Suite, we also unveiled Somo, an innovative e-learning platform designed to create a space where knowledge flows freely, and everyone has the chance to learn and share. Whether you’re looking to gain new skills or share your expertise, Somo provides practical courses to equip you with real-world skills. The platform allows users to learn at their own pace, build courses, mentor others, and become part of a growing community of changemakers.
We showcased both Sabasi Suite and Somo at the Civic Tech Innovation Forum (CTIF) in South Africa, where we engaged with other passionate leaders in the civic space. The event provided an incredible opportunity to highlight how these platforms inspire individuals and organizations to drive meaningful change through data and education.
- Elevating the Role of CBOs as Changemakers
This year, we witnessed the transformative power of community-based organizations (CBOs) in action. Polly Wachira, Head of Campaigns and Communities at Thellesi Trust (one of the CBOs at Maono Space), sat down with Natasha Kimani to share why CBOs are such valuable agents of change. Polly emphasized: “Local organizations understand their issues better. They live in those communities and they understand the needs of their communities better. They are part of that community.”
This powerful conversation was further amplified through Mark Masai’s video interview with Natasha Kimani and her #TalkToMeDirect podcast. These platforms shed light on how spaces like Maono Space strengthen and amplify the voices of rural communities, enabling them to take charge of their own transformation.
Such stories remind us of the untapped potential within communities and the importance of supporting CBOs in reaching their full impact. This commitment to strengthen communities is also reflected in our climate action efforts. At Maono Space, we recently hosted the Kilifi Intergenerational Climate Change Dialogue (KICCD), an event that unites changemakers, experts, and community members to discuss actionable climate solutions The theme for this year’s #KICCD2 was “Unified Actions for a Climate-Resilient Community”, with a key focus on addressing one of the most pressing challenges in climate action, waste management. We were honoured to have Kilifi County Director of Climate Change, Mr. Anthony Kanundu, join us at this year’s event.
And This is Just the Beginning
As we look back on these milestones, we recognize that this is just a glimpse of all the incredible work we’ve done this year. From empowering rural communities to advancing innovative solutions for data governance, every initiative reflects our commitment to a more equitable, data-driven future.
2024 was a year of growth, learning, and impactful partnerships, and we couldn’t have achieved any of this without our team, our partners, and the communities we serve.
As we prepare for 2025, we are filled with hope and determination to continue this journey together. The road ahead is full of challenges, but with collaboration and resilience, we know we can achieve even greater things.
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming initiatives—you won’t want to miss what’s next!
Here’s to another year of progress, impact, and transformation.
Have a Merry Christmas and see you in 2025!
