Judith Adem Owigar

Judith Adem Owigar — Techpreneur, Activist, Co-Founder of AkiraChix

Born in Kenya in 1985, Judith Adem Owigar has steadily emerged as one of Africa’s most influential tech advocates and social innovators. She earned both her BSc (2008) and MSc in Applied Computing (2016) from the University of Nairobi.

Right out of university, Judith dove into the tech industry—first as a tech support specialist at Turnkey Africa, then as a developer at Ibid Labs. Between 2009 and 2012, she took on a pivotal role developing web applications for the Japan Centre for Conflict Prevention, supporting vital programs across Somalia and the broader Great Lakes region.

In 2010, along with Angela Oduor Lungati, Linda Kamau, and Marie Githinji, she co‑founded AkiraChix—a nonprofit on a mission to empower young African women through technology. As Operations Director, Judith spearheaded the organisation’s first research into women’s attitudes toward tech, designed a mentorship program, and secured vital grant funding from partners such as InfoDev, the US Embassy in Kenya, Safaricom, and SIDA.

Judith also founded Juakali Workforce, a digital platform that connects skilled workers in Kenya’s informal sector—like plumbers, electricians, and carpenters—with short-term job opportunities. Through this initiative, she’s been supporting economic empowerment and livelihood-building where it matters most.

Her influence extends into global policy and innovation circles. Since 2016, she has contributed to UN-Habitat as a Smart and Electric Mobility Consultant, advising on urban digital transformation and inclusive infrastructure. Judith has also held board roles with SPIDER (Swedish ICT in Developing Regions), Lumen Labs, and the Africa WeTech Leadership Council.

Judith’s outstanding leadership hasn’t gone unnoticed. She’s received a string of accolades—including the 2011 Change Agent ABIE Award, 2015 East Africa Acumen Fellowship, Focus Fellowship (2014), and a spot among Forbes’ “Ten Female Tech Founders to Watch in Africa.” She’s been featured in CNN’s “10 African Voices to Follow,” and named among Kenya’s Top 40 Women Under 40. As a speaker, she’s shared stages at high-profile events like the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing and the Global Entrepreneurship Summit—once standing alongside President Barack Obama and President Uhuru Kenyatta.