Three Kenyan tech experts to be honored at Mozilla's Rise25 Awards

Mozilla has announced the 25 honorees for its 2nd Annual Rise25 Awards, celebrating individuals leading the next wave of AI innovation. Among them are three Kenyan tech experts who will be recognized for their contributions to responsible, trustworthy, and inclusive AI.

Ambassador Philip Thigo, Kathleen Siminyu Simuyu, and Angela Oduor Lungati will be honored at a special ceremony on August 13 in Dublin, Ireland. They have been recognized for their work in guiding AI towards a responsible future, developing AI through ethical innovation, and cultivating inclusive AI.

                                                               Kathleen Siminyu Simuyu

Ambassador Thigo, a policymaker and advocate, has been instrumental in ensuring AI is developed ethically and inclusively. Simuyu, a builder and developer, has focused on creating trustworthy AI through technical proficiency and responsible construction. Lungati, a change agent, has worked tirelessly to diversify AI and amplify its impact for marginalized communities.

These three individuals are at the forefront of Kenya's tech scene, pushing the boundaries of AI innovation and ensuring its benefits are accessible to all.

                                                                  Angela Oduor Lungati

“At Mozilla, we believe the most groundbreaking innovations arise when people of all kinds of backgrounds come together to collaborate and openly trade ideas,” said Mark Surman, President of Mozilla. “This approach to innovation — grounded in strong pillars of experimentation and community — has defined our work over the past 25 years, fueling global movements around open-source innovation, online privacy and trustworthy AI.”

This year’s awards build upon the success of last year’s Rise25 Awards which were held in Berlin, Germany, bringing to life what a future trustworthy Internet could look like. Last year’s event crowned trailblazers and visionaries who have since shared their inspiring stories in a video series airing across Mozilla channels.

By: Nana Appiah Acquaye