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Innovators invited to develop technology to empower PWDs

Hack4PWD aims to improve quality of life for PWDs and foster a more inclusive society.

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by Magdalene Saya

Realtime17 October 2024 - 13:53
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In Summary


  • This is in an effort to align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10) on reducing inequalities.
  • The annual Hack4Series launched its 2024 edition, Hack4PWD: Innovating for Inclusion on Friday.

Microsoft Learn student ambassadors Gregory Opondi and Daisy Kirui, panelists and judges Audrey Njenga, Marjan Hussein, Jacqueline Mwaura and Collins Omwenga


Kenya’s tech talents have been invited to develop technology to help empower Persons with Disabilities.

The challenge organised under the theme, ‘Innovating for Inclusion’ will see developers and innovators to design or improve assistive technologies that empower people with disabilities (PWDs).

This is in an effort to align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10) on reducing inequalities.

The annual Hack4Series launched its 2024 edition, Hack4PWD: Innovating for Inclusion on Friday.

Hack4PWD is a call to action for developing equitable, inclusive solutions that promote independence, dignity, and social integration for all.

Participants in Hack4PWD will build their solutions for one week as they compete for cash rewards and other prizes.

The winning innovation will be announced on November 8, 2024 at Microsoft Africa Development Centre.

Teams are paired with seasoned mentors to guide them in the development process, promoting not only innovation but also a deep understanding of the unique challenges that PWDs face.

Hack4PWD focuses on three main objectives; creating new assistive technology that enables PWDs to access essential services independently, improving the affordability and functionality of existing solutions, and raising awareness around the importance of inclusivity in tech.

By achieving these goals, Hack4PWD aims to make significant strides in improving the quality of life for PWD and fostering a more inclusive society.


Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors

This year’s launch set an ambitious tone, drawing attention to the importance of user-centred, practical solutions that PWD can directly benefit from in areas like mobility, communication, education, and employment.

Ecosystems Lead at Microsoft ADC Irene Githinji in her keynote address reiterated the impact of accessible tech and the importance of designing solutions alongside those they are intended to serve.

“There shouldn't be a conversation about people with disabilities without people with disabilities,” Jacquline Mwaura, an inclusivity advocate and a PWD stressed.

Mwaura highlighted the critical need for involving PWD in decision-making and innovation processes.

Other panelists included Audrey Njenga (Software Engineer, Microsoft), Collins Omwenga (Techno Brain Group) and Marjan Hussein (ADC Ecosystems, Microsoft).

The project is sponsored by key partners such as sponsors who included Microsoft Garage and ADC Ecosystems, Microsoft Learn Students Ambassadors Kenya, GitHub Campus Experts (Allan Kiche), Techno Brian Group, Prothea Kenya, iHub, Friends of Figma, ADPList and Enjoy Café.

Hack4PWD sets a collaborative stage for Kenya’s tech community to design a future where everyone, regardless of ability, can live with equity and dignity.


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