Kenya’s Ufahamu to represent Africa at space apps challenge

The data visualization platform that provides a means of mapping data on maps establishes relationships using geoJSON technology by combining NASA geodata and health data from reliable open data repositories, such as opendata.go.ke. It then visualizes the data on a map thus creating awareness of health-related issues.

“Ufahamu responds to differences in screen size and reshapes itself to make the best suitable appearance. It appears as a mobile application and therefore you do not have to configure your mobile browser to “mobile view”,” Denis Munene, Ufahamu chief developer, told HumanIPO.
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The solution won the No.1 best overall prize which included a substantial cash prize and a one-year silver premium github hence qualifying to represent Kenya and Africa at the global Space Apps Challenge.

This follows successfully clinching the overall title of the Space Apps Challenge at the regional level held at Nairobi’s iHub last week Saturday.

NASA organized the Nairobi challenge on behalf of the US government in collaboration with other agencies and organizations. The event, which took 48 hours in 25 cities across the world, attracted 2,083 registered participants.

During the event, 71 challenges were addressed and over 100 unique solutions were developed. 30 solutions from across the world were shortlisted to compete for the global title. In Africa, the challenge was held in Nairobi.

According to Dennis Munene and Antony Oroko, the Ufahamu developers, it took 48 hours to clitch the title that will now thrust them to global level.

“The site itself is a responsive site, which means it is both a website and a mobile site,’ Munene said.

The Space Apps Challenge took place across the world in selected spots over 48 hours and it brought together over 2000 developers from across the globe.

The app will compete against 30 other solutions from across the world. The event organizers are yet to announce the date of the challenge.