logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2023
27m 18s

Tech Life goes to Nairobi

Bbc World Service
About this episode

This special edition of Tech Life comes from Nairobi, in Kenya. We visit an agri-tech hackathon, where high tech ideas for reducing the vast amount of wasted crops in Africa are being put forward. We have a tour of the Basi-Go E-bus charging depot, and hear their vision for bringing the electric vehicle revolution to the streets of Nairobi. Market traders tell us how their lives have been transformed by the M-Pesa mobile money system - and we head to Nairobi Garage start up to meet the next generation of fin tech founders, and hear their plans for bringing new products and services to the booming population of young people across Africa.

((PIC CREDIT: Presenter Shiona McCallum meets trader Lydia in Nairobi's famous Maasai market)

Up next
Aug 18
Can AI tackle aviation’s climate problem?
Cloudy lines in the sky, caused by aircraft engines, are called contrails. They're harmful to the environment. Now a project is underway, using AI, to reduce the amount generated. It's called Operation Blue Skies, and we speak to Google about their involvement.Also this week: we ... Show More
26m 28s
Aug 11
School deepfake ransoms
For many schools, it’s normal to post pictures of their own pupils online, either celebrating events or for marketing. But these photos could also be taken by criminals and used to make distressing deepfake AI images. We speak to the founder of a company which says it has a solut ... Show More
26m 38s
Aug 4
The future of flying?
The transition from petrol to electric cars is well underway. But why are most aircraft in the skies still burning jet fuel? We look at new developments in electric aviation. Also this week: keeping children safe online - a leading international child charity talks to Tech Life.P ... Show More
26m 29s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2023
Roam: Electrifying Africa’s mobility
<p>“<em>We’re giving the opportunity for people to do a lot of technical work, that generally doesnt happen too often in Kenya</em>”</p><p>If you’ve been to East Africa you may be familiar with “boda bodas.” If not, they’re small taxi bikes, commonly used by couriers or to transp ... Show More
19m 1s
Jul 2024
Africa's best new innovators
In a special programme, Myra Anubi is in Nairobi, Kenya at the final of the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation which rewards the best new innovators on the continent. Their exciting solutions deal with access to healthcare, plastic recycling, waste disposal and pest detectio ... Show More
23 m
Oct 2024
The innovators building Africa's thriving tech scene | Peace Itimi
“A new reality has emerged, one where ambitious Africans are writing their own stories as builders and as innovators,” says business storyteller Peace Itimi. Taking us inside Africa’s booming tech scene, she highlights the trailblazing entrepreneurs and startups reshaping Africa' ... Show More
9m 20s
Oct 2016
Exploring the World Through Tech
<p>Luria Petrucci of Geeks Life joins the show to talk about the tech designed to get you outside and exploring the world. Find out about apps, gadgets and trends that will broaden your horizons.</p><p> </p> Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastne ... Show More
50m 21s
Sep 2021
#473: [African Stories #1] Beyond Technologies
Today Simon is joined by Clive Charlton, Head of Solution Architecture at AWS, and Ian Lester, CEO of Beyond Technologies - A South African based company with a presence in close to 80 countries around the globe. Today we will learn how Beyond is using the Internet of Things (IoT ... Show More
18m 27s
Nov 2025
Tech Solutions (#1): The affordable tech that will revolutionize farming (with Samir Ibrahim and Josephine Waweru)
When entrepreneur Samir Ibrahim asked farmers in Kenya what problem they most needed solved, the answer was simple: reliable access to water to irrigate their farms year-round. Samir is the CEO of SunCulture, a company replacing diesel- and petrol-powered water pumps with more af ... Show More
23m 42s
Sep 2023
Roam unveils new EV bus model to tap Kenya’s mass transit sector
Kenya-based EV startup Roam has unveiled a new shuttle bus model dubbed Move, coming as the East African country continues to push for the adoption of electric vehicles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 
4m 6s
Aug 2024
The innovators building Africa's thriving tech scene | Peace Itimi
“A new reality has emerged, one where ambitious Africans are writing their own stories as builders and as innovators,” says business storyteller Peace Itimi. Taking us inside Africa’s booming tech scene, she highlights the trailblazing entrepreneurs and startups reshaping Africa' ... Show More
8m 26s
Nov 2025
Sunday Pick: Tech Solutions (#1): The affordable tech that will revolutionize farming (with Samir Ibrahim and Josephine Waweru)
When entrepreneur Samir Ibrahim asked farmers in Kenya what problem they most needed solved, the answer was simple: reliable access to water to irrigate their farms year-round. Samir is the CEO of SunCulture, a company replacing diesel- and petrol-powered water pumps with more af ... Show More
25m 4s