Design Thinking Forum.

Design Thinking as Methodology to Problem-solving

What comes to mind when you think about design thinking as a tool to use?
In trying to figure out what the design thinking is, last Friday we attended a Design Forum at Pawa254 in Nairobi. Technology is changing at a rapid pace, that's why we've reached out to visionaries and experts to get more understanding of design thinking.

The panelists were all optimistic and they started describing what design thinking means; each one of them in turns. "Design thinking is the process of solving problems by being users oriented designer who creates solutions to complex problems," said Elmar from Design without borders.

The audience listened carefully and one of them asked the speaker about the courses one needs to specialize in to become a design thinker. Felix Tao from Aleutia in the panel described that a design thinker is a person who understands the process well because, design thinking is collaborating with partners, users, and stakeholders who use the product or need the service. "In design, you have to be everything, not one specialized skill," Sarah from Thinkplace said.

The design forum ended with takeaways from everyone. We all gained knowledge that human-centered design is a design thinking approach to problem-solving; all about building empathy with the people you designing for, and sharing innovative ideas with the people in need of the solutions; and what you have made for them.


The future of design thinking is the human-centered design methodology that plays an
important role by connecting the users with their needs to solve problems in their daily
lives.

#GMERL Nairobi 2016. #Stand4wildlife

Kenya wildlife heritage staggering at an alarming rate. Where would the next generation get to see our Big five animals in free range wild if poaching for their ivories, Rhino horns and hunting for trophies and Lions claws continue be a great demand in the black market? No more poaching? we stand and shout for our magnificent species to worth living.

Youth stand for Wildlife our key message as we march for our heritage.

A bright day for animals started well as we march sending the conservation message to all. We started the global march 2016 for Elephants, Rhinos and Lions after the cabinet secretary of Environment and natural resources Prof. Judi Wakhungu flagged off in the National Museums of Kenya Nairobi at 9:00 Am. 

#GMFERL Nairobi 2016

We all joins hands with a slogan "Youth stand for wildlife, will you?" till 12kms marching in solidarity to Kenya Wildlife Service headquarters. Despite that the sun was hot, we all march tirelessly for our magnificent species in the wild.

"Africa highest population is young people so if youth stand for conservation, I believe the world will hear us because are not going back but the fight is on" Said Peter Moll the CEO and the President of www.suso.world.

Our work has not been in vain since we started global marching for our wildlife in 2014. We saw a change in our society. For instance, the fourth President of Kenya burned 105 tonnes on 30th of April 2016.

Also Kenya five proposals for saving our Elephants presented to Conference of parties known as COP 17 CITES in South Africa brighten the future of our Elephants. Four of the proposals adopted, that make a success of 80 % to Kenya proposals won the battle.

#GMERL Nairobi 2016. #Stand4wildlife

The wildlife of Kenya our heritage is declining at an alarming rate.

Poachers are killing Elephants for their ivories, Rhinos for their horns, Lions for their claws, Leopards for their hide and selling them in black markets. This is denying the next generation a chance of seeing the big five that Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Rhino and Leopard, and many other animals. This menace has triggered many governmental and non-governmental institutions to intervene to stop it, but it doesn’t seem to end. Professor Judi Wakhungu (Cabinet secretary for environment and natural resources) is one of those who actively intercepting to stop the killings of our magnificent inheritance. "No more poaching!” She declares.

Youth stand for Wildlife our key message as we march for our heritage.

This year, she flagged off a global march for Elephants, Rhinos and Lions at the National Museum of Kenya, Nairobi where people of all walks had gathered to march 12KM in solidarity for these animals. The team had one goal in mind, to pass the message to the world that time has come for the nation to stand and conserve the wildlife.  "Our ecosystem needs protection for posterity," One participant said.

#GMFERL Nairobi 2016

"Youth stands for wildlife, will you?" the team (majorly comprised of the youth) shouted. "No one ran short of strength to walk all the distance from museum to the Kenya Wildlife Service headquarters in Langata. The sun was hot and was scorching our heads, but our love for wildlife surpassed our love for comfort."

"Africa highest population comprises of young people, if the youth stand for conservation, I believe the world will hear us because we are not going back but the fight is on," Said Peter Moll the CEO and the President of www.suso.world.

Our work has not been in vain since we started global marching for our wildlife in 2014. We saw a change in our society. For instance, the fourth President of Kenya burned confiscated 105 tons of Ivories and Rhinos horns on 30th of April 2016.

Also, Kenya five proposals for saving our Elephants presented to Conference of Parties known as COP 17 CITES in South Africa brighten the future of our Elephants. Four of the proposals adopted, that make a success of 80 % to the Kenya proposals won the battle.

Wild Run 2016.

Hundreds of Kenyans and Chinese communities who are true conservationists participate on Wild run.
Today's mission is to pass the message to the world to conserve the wildlife in our heritage, we all know that endangered species worthy living in their rich nature ecosystem.

"Our magnificent Elephants are more valuable in wild with their tusks than poaching for their ivories. Our Rhinos species worth being alive than killing for their horns for the demanding black market" said Kitili Mbathi Director of Kenya Wildlife Service.
Wild Run live from cctvafrica

We come together today to run in the wild, as we join our hands to pledge that our wildlife never gets extinction. Our future generations will be fortunate to witness our diverse flora and fauna flourish in the rich mother nature.  "We are against the malicious act of poaching that intended to put them to brink" said Peter the wild run participant.

All participants for opening remarks

Wild run colorful event

After wild run posing with friends.

Wildlife conservation join us.

Lake Naivasha Birds of Wetland.

Lake Naivasha is a freshwater Lake in the rift valley. Situated in Nakuru county in Kenya.

The name Naivasha derives from the Maasai community that means "Naiposha" or the rough water in the Maa dialect, Due to the sudden rise of storms frequently in the Lake.

Lake Naivasha is the highest point above sea level of the Kenyan Rift valley, it is at 1,880 metres (6,180 ft) on volcanic rocks and sedimentary deposits from a larger Pleistocene era Lake. The Lake is fed by perennial Malewa and Gilgil rivers with no visible outlets, but since the Lake water is relatively fresh, it is assumed to have an underground outflow.

Kenyans Hip Hop singer Juda King visited the Lake recently and got to spot the following birds roaming the Lake; African Hoopoe, Egyptian Geese, Hadada Ibis and Superb Starling.

Juda knowing that I am a professional nature guide, I challenge my ornithology knowledge by naming all the above birds without a reference and I actually got them all correct.

Egyptian Geese photo credit: Juda King.

Superb Starling photo by Juda King.

Hadada Ibis photo by Juda King.

African Hoopoe photo by Juda King.

Artfest in the Wild 2 edition

Many today joins their hands in the day of fun as many talented Kenyans showcase their arts in the wild.
Nairobi National park Kenya Wildlife Service headquarters was today a booming place, where many witnessed the great work of arts like clothing, gravitas, carving and soft stones shaping in the artfest in the wild event.

Models got a chance to showcase their good work and their passions courtesy of Mash-autos, where many youths were optimistic and happy in the event when they appear in the red carpet with Kenya made African clothing of all types and different sizes.

In the children corner, Kids got to play unlimited games provided by 24/7 Entertainments, as kids feel the wild art day out of hustle and bustle of the busy Kenyans city of beauties and rich diversity of flora and fauna in the wild.

Everyone who got an opportunity to visit the Safari walk or a game drive in the Nairobi National Park. Comes out smiling as a day of memories in the wild arts event second edition 2016.

The main message of every Kenyan is let's protect our rich heritage. Artists and Artistes all sung and presented spoken words of conservation of our ecosystems.

Pygmy Hippos in Nairobi Safari Walk.

Common Zebra under shade.

Soft Stone arts.

Beads work in the event is amazing.

Model with African clothing.

Conservation message.

Migration of Wildebeests

You might have heard about the spectacular migration of mammals on earth. Do you? which only take place in East Africa Kenya Tanzania ecosystem. The Wildebeests circle occurred throughout annually, at the moment the circle is in the greater Maasai Mara national reserve. That's our pride as Kenyan having this magnificent spectacular wildlife event, which is one of the world wonders.

This migration of wildebeest as a term used mostly by the Maa Silver research of flora and fauna volunteers is a really rare phenomenon event. Only takes place every year in the Mara river when they battle for their life with hungry reptiles called Nile crocodiles, when they focus crossing to the great ecosystem of Mara in search of plenty of their delicacy red oath grass in the savannah grassland.

At the moment its their high season to roamed around from July - Oct mating in Kenya territories, then the circle continued to southern part of Tanzania spending December - February, where they breed and rear their calfs before the journey starts back to the toughest crossing of Mara river with a focus "Cross or die in the land of plenty Maasai Mara".

Picture taken by Maa silver research volunteer

It is an event that occurred with obstacles like human encroachment, where lots of camps now are situated right on their crossing points and also burning of the pastures on their routes to stop them coming. But all in vain to stop the mission and their vision that every year must be a reality.

Another obstacle is the predators targeting to celebrate the feast, but less cared by the population of 1.3 million wildebeests, 250,000 Thomsons Gazelles and 200,000 Common Zebras.
latest videos from the field
Maasai Mara Predators

Tunapanda Team Building in Ngong Hills

After a successful two days team building, we went for a hike in Ngong Hills Kajiado county the peak is 2460 metres above sea level.
Ngong is a Maasai phrase means Engong emuny Rhinoceros Spring this name derives from a spring located near Ngong town.

Our team of thirty IT trainers with same goal to conquer the hills bear the fruits, when we all reach at the peak of the hills with the led of our professional safari guides who have locally knowledge and rich in fauna and flora experience.

At the peak of Ngong Hills

It was not an easy task as obstacles like fog making most of the people shivering as we take time to accustomed by performing some warm up practices. Another obstacle is forest soldiers nick name in our hiking as juzi juzi those are Safari ants that attacked us while walking a long the steep hills.
We spotted the Bush buck, lots of birds for instance the Augur Buzzard and Rock Python at the edge of thick Sickle Acacia trees.
We all make it and successfully conquers and went back to our Kisame Giraffe Camp located in the Rift valley.

Ngong Hills view at Kisame Dam

Rock climbing for funs

Humanitarian OpenStreetMapping

When I started contributing to OpenStreet mapping community. I volunteered to map my local area and make the invisible visible. By tracing and place schools, buildings and villages onto a global world map, this is one of the achievement I did to give back to the community.

Volunteers from Tunapanda Institute and Map Kibera in Nairobi Kenya

On May 2016, we started joining the Humanitarian OpenStreetMapping community when the task of mapping Tanzania development trust in Serengeti district begun. Where we contributed with them to map the mugumo localities.

Joining HOT Tanzania Mapping Project.

On July 2016, we have also participated project #1988 task for Milange district of Mozambique with Purpose to help indoor residual malaria spraying programs.

Data created from this mapping effort, will help Indoor Residual Spraying programs in Mozambique plan for the upcoming spray campaign. On completion of the base map by remote mappers, Peace Corps Volunteers in Zambezia Province will work with their Mozambican counterparts to complete Field Papers in key villages and towns then add local knowledge to OSM.

Mozambique Project for eradicating Malaria.

Ololchurra is one of the areas in Maasai Mara that before the Openstreet map, Schools and villages were no where to be seen in global maps but thanks to the OSM community for not restricting who and where can volunteers be to contribute to Humanitarians OpenStreet Mapping tasks (HOT).

Mapping My local Area in Maasai Mara.

Nairobi National Park

The day in search of the rare Bongo antelope species in The wetland and forest ecosystem. We started early morning in the Nairobi safari walk where we found the Bongo in a devasting state. But has received treatment from the Kenya wildlife service veterinaries. Nairobi National Park established in 1946 has been a home to the endangered black Rhinos due to the rich ecosystem as they fed on the mega fauna found in the park.
Rare Bongo inhabited forested places in the Aberdares ranges and other forested areas in the country. More effort and a combine conservation consent between the communities living around forested areas and the Kenya Wildlife Service has been a key to survival of the Bongo species.


On our safari we stop as we clarify that what done by our president on 30th April 2016 in the Ivory burning has a mark and legacy in our conservation of our heritage.
The ashes is what welcome us to the site, where 105 tons of Ivories which worth much before turning to Ivories from Tusks in our magnificent Elephants.

Nairobi National Park

The day in search of the rare Bongo antelope species in The wetland and forest ecosystem. We started early morning in the Nairobi safari walk where we found the Bongo in a devasting state. But has received treatment from the Kenya wildlife service veterinaries. Nairobi National Park established in 1946 has been a home to the endangered black Rhinos due to the rich ecosystem as they fed on the mega fauna found in the park.
Rare Bongo inhabited forested places in the Aberdares ranges and other forested areas in the country. More effort and a combine conservation consent between the communities living around forested areas and the Kenya Wildlife Service has been a key to survival of the Bongo species.


On our safari we stop as we clarify that what done by our president on 30th April 2016 in the Ivory burning has a mark and legacy in our conservation of our heritage.
The ashes is what welcome us to the site, where 105 tons of Ivories which worth much before turning to Ivories from Tusks in our magnificent Elephants.

Youth skills helps Kenya

It was an amazing weekend where aspiring entrepreneurs join their effort as they compete for the best idea for the Nairobi startups weekend. The 40 hrs event took place in the Strathmore university school in Nairobi County.

The business third month for Tunapanda Institute on its peak but the crew of trainees represent the institute by being involved and showcasing their expertise together with their trainers.

The mission was lets revolutionize the education in social entrepreneurship, This was proven when Nairobi takes the crown at the global awards 2016 out of 49 other countries. We all agree that the startup weekend was productive and awesome.

The winner of this year startup weekend is team Guardian congratulations to all in the team.
Second place winners is Yoyo Kids team and Third place winner is Outbox Ed team.

Get more about the Nairobi startup weekend from the article in the link below!
Good work never in vain

Endangered Rothschild Giraffes.

On Monday, the talk about endangered species of Giraffes started before noon, to passed the message to the congregation of visitors on the labor day holiday, who pay their visit to the wildlife sanctuary called the Giraffes center in Karen Nairobi county Kenya.

Benjamin who is the education officer gave us a brief history of the center which was started for the conservation of these endangered species of wildlife, due to human encroachment and poaching for bush meat in the western parts of Kenya, The founders conceived a unique idea on how to conserved the few remain Rothschild giraffes by creating a safe haven for them in 1979.

They rehabilitated young giraffes and reintroduced them back to the wild after every three years of every individual being in the center.

He elaborated more about the species.
Rothschild's giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis Rothschildi) is one of the most endangered giraffe subspecies, with only a few hundred members in the wild. Also known as the Baringo giraffe, after the Lake Baringo area of Kenya, or as the Ugandan giraffe. All of those living in the wild are in protected areas in Kenya and Uganda.

What was amazing is that the giraffes were keeping on visit the balcony for their nutrition food called pellets, that gives us the conservationists a feel of what we love most by coming closer to these iconic animals of our heritage.

Benjamin Briefing about the Giraffes Declines causes

After greetings he decided to go back and reunion with others.

Can I have some pellets for taste.

East Africa cloud Summit (Nairobi County)

Our future is in our hands, so we need to revolutionize cloud services in rural areas to enhance technology to the society.

On 22nd, April, 2016 in #eaCloudsummit which was held in Inter Continental hotel Nairobi.
Session 4: Enhancing innovation by utilizing cloud services.
Thought leadership presentation by Prof. Bitange Ndemo.
keys points mentioned;

• Servers now in use may not work next two years due to rapidly changing technology, lets all be the change we want as a society in the this digital era.
• We need regulations to better guidelines of how to use the cloud services.
• The government need now to have population profile of every individual in regardless of where they live by use of cloud services power.
• We need to be trustworthy in the use of cloud services.
• We as technology hub country, lets keep pushing cloud services to accelerate societal transformation and economic.
• Cloud services indiscriminate communities from northern and coast parts it brings us all together.

Advantages of cloud services.

• Allows use of already created resources online.
• We can leverage technology to overcome people deprivations so to eradicate poverty in the globe. 
• 20 millions  Kenyan population are children recent deprivations research from UNICEF shows that;

             15.8 millions deprived sanitation

             13.1 millions inadequate shelter

             1.1 millions deprived health

            7.8 millions deprived safe water

            5.3 millions deprived education

Research by Minu Limbu UNICEF Kenya country office.

Solution is sharing cloud services and other infrastructures like electricity, schools and roads with the less fortune.

Everybody collect public data, must share free to everybody or disseminate equally to all.

It was a great meetup and to share ideas on how to improve on use of cloud services, with a mission in the globe to change the situation to benefit humanity on the planet.

Panel discussion

Birthday with orphans Elephants then after that #NTV Wild feature them.

The day started well, a lots of texts flows to my inbox as friends wishes me the 27th birthday from all over the world.  Received all with my inner heartfelt then head to wishes the wild babies in the wild their best time as I celebrated this big day. I decided that my day celebration can't be completed without sharing happiness with the amazing endangered species who are orphaned by the poaching menace due to human greedy for their ivories in the black market.
I took a Matatu to David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi national park before the time for these orphans comes back for the midday milk in the Nairobi nursery then back to the forest.
I arrived safely and give my fee for Elephants milk before get in to witnessed the session which I really enjoyed being with them.

About these amazing creatures in Nairobi Nursery unit: The infant nursery stage.
The orphan arrival after rescued orphan- infant elephants arrives at the Trust's Nairobi nursery severely traumatized by the events that have caused the separation from their mothers. The infant inevitably enters a period of deep grieving for its lost loved ones which can last for months. During this critical period survival hangs in the balance and not all calves can be persuaded to make the efforts to try live.
The Nairobi nursery offers a secure base and a loving environment to successfully nurture these orphans at a time of greatest need.

Why my birthday cake change to milk giving in the nature?
The magic milk formula; Wyeth laboratories SMA Baby formula, comprised of well emulsified fat with additional Calcium, Magnesium,Vitamin C and later on fortified coconut and cooked oatmeal porridge. Is the basis used by the trust, perfected by Dame Daphne Sheldrick for successfully rearing a new born elephant through its first very fragile few months. The milk formula must be combined with the correct intensive and hands-on husbandry which involved human family of keepers who replace the lost elephant family and stay with the orphans in the Nairobi nursery 24 hours a day, sleeping with the infants during night on a rotational basis.

As a conservationist may I appreciate the good work being done by the trust that has successfully rehabilitated many orphans and back to the wild for this incredibly successful reintegration program has enjoyed worldwide acclaim by accomplishing its long-term conservation as their priority.
Many thanks indeed for their great work their doing for our heritage. My massage to all our informants in the ecosystem lets be watchful to safe this magnificent species.

I am glad that the Ntv wild also feature this, It's a huge moment to value these magnificent creatures in our heritage.
Watch this?

Feel the really nature in Kenya.

Samburu county in the northern part Kenya, 309 kms from Nairobi the capital city. Semi arid areas inhabited by the Samburu community who are speakers of Maa language of the plains nilotes. The Samburu Buffaloes springs national reserve and Samburu national reserve where the endangered species of Beisa Oryxs and reticulated Giraffes called it their home.

Famous conservationist Ian Douglas of the save the Elephants organization has contributed a lot for the flourishing of this ecosystem, by introducing the research for the African Elephants and helped in eradicating poaching of the endangered species targeted in black market.

Our journey passing plains covered by shrubs, whittle acacias and the palms trees along Ewaso nyiro north river that originated from Aberdares ranges and drains its waters to Lorian swamp.

Our mission to spread the open source learning to the students of Girgir day secondary school in the archers post north of Samburu was accomplished well as we all enjoy the beauty of our country Kenya rich diversity of nature, passing highlands of mt Kenya the land of Mwea rice plantations and back safely to Nairobi county where Tunapanda institute is situated.

Thanks indeed.

This is the direction to.

TechDada Initiative.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.
The TechDada Initiative established by the Tunapanda Institute passionate ladies, to Accelerate Technologies as they bridge the digital divides into the society.
Back to the KGSA TechDada initiative taking good time teaching them what is open source libre office. Most of them is first time touching and learning more about computers.

We keep on encouraging them to shine on their bright future, We all unite together for the change in our cutting edge technology era.
We formed groups for facilitating their activities, by showing them the use of computers and how to create folders and files to store and retrieve data. They were so much happy to interacted with 21st century devices which they never thought they may that sooner be able to use them in the that location of the biggest slum in Kenya.
The activity has attracted many of other students outside while starting their games time, The session goes well and we completed it well and they are looking forward to learn more.

Funzo App users interview.

The day started like the usual days but the trainers are all optimistic about the Certell content offline distribution to the users in rural areas upcountry. We arrived safely to Beverly schools of Kenya near Aberdares ranges well known of being the one of Kenya water catchment areas. We set up our interviews that have to start 1 hour latter. Interviews in tech, UI and research groups kick off with users appreciating their efforts of contributing since from the planing stage till today learning stage.

Aberdares ranges being the source of Kenya long river Tana, that drains its waters to Indian ocean. Other species of flora and fauna are mostly found in the moorland where Bongo the rare antelopes are found, So it wasn't only the education mission for those are nature lovers like I we were so happy to encountered the following in the rich ecosystem on our way to the school we spotted the;
Cape rook birds.
Butterflies.
and other species of insects.

Cape Rook bird.

Insect escaping cool weather.

Butterfly on the flower feeding.

Tunapanda Institute First Aid workshop.

FIRST AID WORKSHOP.

Healthier environment and people health our key focus.

We took our positions ready to be trained how to handle emergency health issues that may occurs.

Doctor Micheal introduce us to ABC the term that means Airways, Breathing and Circulation.

Airways;

• Choking is caused by a blockage in the throat, which restricts airflow. For any choking person the first thing you need to check is the airways, whether is blocked or if someone is choking you need; 
• to perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) or back blows or both. Rapid first aid for choking can save a person's life.

Clear airways when choking;

• Most often, choking in adults is the result of getting food stuck in the windpipe. In children, choking commonly occurs when when toys, coins, or other small objects become lodged in the throat or windpipe.

Procedures to perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) on someone else:

• Stand behind the person. Wrap your arms around the waist. Tip the person forward slightly.
• Make a fist with one hand. Position it slightly above the person's navel.
• Grasp the fist with the other hand. Press hard into the abdomen with a quick, upward thrust as if trying to lift the person up.
• Perform a total of 5 abdominal thrusts, if needed. If the blockage still isn't dislodged, repeat the five-and-five cycle.

Clear the airway;

• Open the person's airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver. Put your palm on the person's forehead and gently tilt the head back. Then with the other hand, gently lift the chin forward to open the airway.
• Check for normal breathing, taking no more than five or 10 seconds. Look for chest motion, listen for normal breath sounds, and feel for the person's breath on your cheek and ear. Gasping is not considered to be normal breathing. If the person isn't breathing normally and you are trained in CPR, begin mouth-to-mouth breathing. Skip and continue chest compression. 15/1.

Breathing: Breathe for the person;

Rescue breathing can be mouth-to-mouth breathing or mouth-to-nose breathing if the mouth is seriously injured or can't be opened.

• With the airway open (using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver), pinch the nostrils shut for mouth-to-mouth breathing and cover the person's mouth with yours, making a seal.
• Prepare to give two rescue breaths. Give the first rescue breath lasting one second and watch to see if the chest rises. If it does rise, give the second breath. If the chest doesn't rise, repeat the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver and then give the second breath. Thirty chest compression followed by two rescue breaths is considered one cycle.

Head tilt.

Abdominal thrusts.

Airways clearing.

#NTVWild Talk Episode 2: US-Kenya relations in protecting our wildlife

Cubietruck Meets Matrix in Kibera; #Technology education and nature conserving is our priority.

NTV Wild Talk Episode 3: Stopping Ivory trafficking through Kenya

Home stay differ from Luxurious stay when in adventures.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdpCMLu7k7g Maasai Mara home stay the culture really.

Mission accomplished (Tunapanda at Samburu county).

"Creativity is in every person, no matter where they live" We believe when we found our-self in the middle of the Semi-arid area of Northern Kenya. Our mission and a slogan is bridging the digital divide and create self-expression in Humanity. Interactive session positively received by everyone in the school and students were very passionate about E-learning despite of the many obstacles that surround them.

Human centered design was the topic as we teach them more about user interface of the Application that help learners learn more about economic.

Many that indeed for the Certell and Tunapanda Institute for the vision of empowering the people using open source and free open source softwares.

Communities and environment responsibility in the society is economic driver.

UI class.

Group photo.

Facilitation on peer to peer learning.