Barcamp Nairobi 2010

Thoughts on #barcampnairobi/wherecamp

1. Great turnout – over 600 Kenyan geeks and entrepreneurs, with a healthy sprinkling from the NGO community too.

2. Better gender ratio than I’ve seen at any barcamp in the UK, and any tech event at all in South Africa.

Why is that?

3. If I had a criticism of some of the companies that I see/meet in Kenya, it’s that they don’t focus tightly enough: “we’ve built a social network and a classifieds platform and a game and a dating site” – as Erik said about Ushahidi, technology is 5% and people/growth is 90% (the other 5%? luck.)

Without focus, you’ll never be able to grow your 5 or 10 sites together. Pick the best, put the others in a drawer and dust them off later when the first is profitable or at least has audience and growth.

4. The iHub is a great space. Lovely combo of good connectivity and informality of setting makes it perfect for the barcamp ethos, better than the eBay offices in London or similar corporate venues that I’ve barcamped at. This place is going to be great.

5. Loved the positive reception that Mocality got from everyone here. Really great to hear the feedback.

Location:Nairobi, Kenya