App developers in Kenya have been urged to conduct more thorough research before embarking on projects so as to know what competition exists and have an impact in the market.
Speaking to developers pitching their apps made on the Windows platform at the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2014 Kenya finals held at the Strathmore University, iHub’s Kennedy Kirui emphasised the need for research if one is to know where the problem lies.
Kirui was one of the judges at the event, where it emerged many of the contestants had not taken the time to carry out market research and were also not informed with what was happening in the world of startups.
“It is not always a tech issue, it could be a problem that could be fixed by an entirely different thing,” said Kirui.
Over ten teams pitched their apps seeking to solve everyday challenges in categories such as Games, Innovation and World Citizenship.
Veronicah Ogeto, Safaricom’s head of innovation, said her company was looking forward to working with the teams with the best ideas as well as with other companies so as to solve problems in the country.
She urged the developers to come up with apps that will leapfrog those that are already in the market with the same idea.
The winners of the competition will be announced next week.
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