Dr Shikoh Gitau is redefining Africa’s digital future through locally driven innovation and inclusive technology leadership
Dr Shikoh Gitau’s journey from Mathare in Nairobi to leading one of Kenya’s emerging technology innovation firms reflects a steady commitment to making digital systems work for African realities. A computer scientist and entrepreneur, Gitau has become an influential voice in the continent’s growing conversation about inclusive technology and innovation.
Gitau studied Computer Science at Africa Nazarene University before earning both a master’s degree and a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Cape Town. Her fascination with technology began early, sparked, she recalls, by watching a woman receive a PhD on national television, a moment that expanded her sense of possibility.
Early in her career, Shikoh Gitau worked on technology solutions designed to address practical challenges in African communities. She helped develop M-Ganga, a mobile health platform aimed at improving healthcare delivery in underserved areas, and Ummeli, a job-matching application that has connected thousands of young Africans to employment opportunities.
Her professional path has included roles with leading global firms such as Google Emerging Markets and Microsoft, where she contributed to initiatives around digital inclusion. Later, at Safaricom, she led Safaricom Alpha, an internal innovation hub established to explore new digital products and services. Gitau also collaborated with the African Development Bank, contributing to the creation of the Digital Government Blueprint for Smart Africa, a framework supporting digital governance across the continent.
Building home-grown digital solutions
In 2020, Shikoh Gitau founded Qhala, a Nairobi-based digital innovation firm that partners with governments, businesses, and development organisations to integrate technology more effectively into their operations. Qhala’s work focuses on developing contextually relevant solutions, reducing reliance on imported systems and encouraging African-led innovation. One example is a COVID-19 response dashboard, built with national agencies to support real-time data tracking and public health planning.
Through initiatives such as iHelix, Qhala also strengthens collaboration between startups and established companies, helping corporates adopt emerging technologies while nurturing local innovation ecosystems.
Beyond building products, Qhala has been active in conversations around digital ethics, governance, and artificial intelligence (AI). The firm advocates for responsible, inclusive technology adoption and contributes to capacity-building efforts that advance digital literacy across the region.
A voice for people-centred innovation
Gitau’s career reflects how African technologists are shaping the continent’s digital evolution, not by replicating global models, but by grounding innovation in local needs. Through Qhala and her broader advocacy, she continues to champion an approach where technology serves people first, ensuring that Africa’s digital transformation remains equitable, sustainable, and community-driven.
