This year 6th-8th November, three of us, Khalid Hussein, Cheryl Owala, and Tomlee Abila had the incredible privilege of representing Kisumu Gophers at two of Africa’s biggest tech events DroidconKE and FlutterconKE. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be part of an event that brings together the sharpest minds in tech, the energy, the buzz, and the sheer scale of it all... let us just say, it was an experience like no other.

Day 1: Community Vibes

The first was all about community and we couldn’t have asked for a better start. The day kicked off with a keynote from Tabitha Kavyu a Community Coordinator at Google Crowdsource, who set the tone by highlighting the importance of community-driven growth in the tech space. Tabitha’s talk was a powerful reminder of how communities like ours Kisumu Gophers play a crucial role in shaping the future of technology by fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge.

There’s something incredibly special about hearing inspiring stories from people like Kavyu who’ve been in the game for years. And when you're attending a conference with such a rich mix of both techies and non-techies, the conversations you have are gold.
We met developers from all over Africa and beyond, many of whom were passionate about growing their local tech scenes, just like us. There were discussions about tackling challenges in community growth, creating opportunities for developers, and the power of open-source contributions by Brayan Kai.

Day 2: Android Deep Dive & Networking with Industry Leaders

The second day was packed with deep technical sessions, starting with the keynote on “What’s New in Android” that set the stage for a dive into the latest Android technologies. As Android developers ourselves, we were excited to hear about Jetpack Compose, Kotlin updates, and the upcoming Android 14 features from Paul Onakoya a Lead Android Engineering team at Google Nairobi.

What made the day even more exciting were the workshops. We participated in a hands-on Advanced Layout Animations in Compose with Shared Elements by Rebecca Franks an Android Developer Relations Engineer, where we explored new ways to streamline Android development and create more efficient animations with Jetpack Compose.But the real highlight of Day 2 was the networking; having the opportunity to speak directly with Android developers from other countries. Whether it was over coffee or during lunch breaks, the conversations flowed, and we were able to exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and even brainstorm potential collaborations.

Day 3: Jetpack Compose & Custom Layouts

By the third day, we were fully immersed in the technical side of things. The keynote on custom layouts and graphics in Jetpack Compose was a game changer. We’ve always been excited about Compose, but this session gave us a whole new perspective on how it can be used to build dynamic, responsive UIs without the complexity of traditional XML layouts.

The hands-on workshops were the perfect opportunity to apply what we’d just learned. We experimented with custom layouts, and advanced graphics, and even started building UIs we had only dreamed of before. It was a day of learning, experimenting, and sharing ideas with fellow developers, and we left with fresh insights on how we could improve the apps we build.

Leaving DroidconKE and FlutterconKE, we couldn’t help but feel inspired and motivated. The ideas, insights, and connections we gained during the event have already begun to shape the next steps for Kisumu Gophers. We’re more determined than ever to continue growing the tech community in Kisumu, hosting workshops, hackathons, and meetups, and collaborating with developers across Africa and beyond.

The energy we experienced in Nairobi is something we plan to bring back to Kisumu and beyond. We’re excited about the future of tech in our city and the potential for Kisumu Gophers to be part of the global tech movement. If anything, DroidconKE and FlutterconKE confirmed one thing: the future is bright, and we’re ready to be a part of it.

A big thank you to the organizers, speakers, and everyone who made DroidconKE and FlutterconKE 2024 an unforgettable experience. We left the event with new knowledge, new friends, and a renewed sense of purpose. It was a reminder of why we do what we do: to make a difference, to grow, and to connect with like-minded individuals who share the same passion for technology.

If you’re considering attending next year, don’t hesitate. The experiences and connections you’ll make are priceless. We’re already looking forward to the next event and hope to see you there!

Stay connected with Kisumu Gophers and Zone01Kisumu on social media to learn more about our upcoming events, workshops, and opportunities. Whether you’re a developer or someone interested in the tech world, there’s always room for you in our community.