Written by Martin Mbucho:

Many people find it hard to believe that I spent a significant part of my childhood in the village. They often suggest that I seem too technologically savvy for someone who spent their days learning in the compound of Gichira Primary School and engaging in various economic activities within my community during that period. However, the truth is that I was indeed raised in Gichira, where I attended PCEA Gichira Church and became somewhat well-known, often mentioned both in school and church.

One defining trait of mine is that I am a fast learner. I absorb skills and information through “osmosis,” similar to how Kevin Gates describes himself as a sponge, picking up insights from his surroundings. I prefer to consider myself a sponge, but I selectively absorb only the positive aspects—what I like to call “good moisture.” I have always been cautious about the influences around me, striving to embrace only the good habits that enrich my life.

One of the valuable habits I developed as a child was computer literacy and an interest in technology. I cultivated this passion at a local cyber café in Babadogo, where I learned various digital skills. During high school, I often worked at that cyber café on Sundays while the main attendant was at church. This experience fueled my desire to immerse myself in technology, as I recognized the advantages of being adept at using computers and other digital devices.

Despite growing up in a poor family and not receiving as much formal education as I would have liked, I kept my aspirations alive. Fortunately, I found a job at Mwash Cyber Café, which was just starting out. At the time, I was young and inexperienced, but I quickly realized that the café aimed to provide digital services to residents of Kariobangi, Kiamaiko, and Huruma. This opportunity opened many doors for me, as I chose to use the unlimited Wi-Fi and access to technology not for playing games, like many of my peers, but to learn and grow.

Initially, I struggled with my focus and spent too much time gaming, but I eventually shifted my mindset. Now, I limit my gaming to just 40 minutes a week. While gaming is a form of technology, I questioned whether it would sustain me, especially in Kenya.

My interest in web design emerged from the idea of blogging, inspired by the notion that it could be a profitable venture. However, every time I attempted to set up a blog, I felt like I was back at square one. I soon realized that setbacks are a part of the journey, and the key to overcoming failure is to learn, unlearn, and adapt. I adopted a visual approach to technology, focusing on productive endeavors that were worth my time.

Despite my enthusiasm, I still faced challenges. I often compared my work to others and felt disheartened, wondering if I was somehow inadequate. Yet, I understood that every misfortune offers a lesson.

Motivation is essential in the tech field, and I discovered that heartbreak can serve as a powerful catalyst for innovation. Many nights, I found myself awake, driven to create something beneficial for others and myself. This led me to an idea: I would blog about a cyber café, detailing its services while simultaneously creating an employment opportunity for myself.

Thinking like a client, I envisioned how to improve their experience in a cyber café. For instance, I developed a feature on the Mwash Cyber website that allows users to create customizable M-Pesa posters. Customers can easily input their details, download their posters, and print them—all without needing to call or interact with me directly. This initiative not only served my customers but also fueled my motivation to innovate and provide solutions for others, often at no cost.

Mwash Cyber has become a cherished part of my life, and I continue to enhance its technology and functionality. It has taught me invaluable lessons, and now, I feel confident that I can create any type of website in Kenya. My journey has only just begun, and I look forward to what lies ahead in the world of technology.

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