Samsung Electronics East Africa today launched six android apps developed locally by Strathmore IT students. Speaking at the launch ceremony at Strathmore University’s iLab , Samsung East Africa Chief Operating Officer, Robert Ngeru challenged local app developers to come up with solutions that have a global market appeal in light of the current high demand for relevant apps. According to Mr. Ngeru, smartphones are becoming mainstream and by year 2015 an estimated 15 million Kenyans will be using smartphones.
Among the applications rolled out in the event was the Kenya Law Application that allows lawyers and the general public access information such as the constitution, updates on case files, schedule of court cases and the law of Kenya. Another app, the Pharmaceutical Poison Board App allows the public to easily recognize the side effects on drugs, while also providing a platform to locate and engage registered pharmacists.
Strathmore Business School students will also benefit from the Strathmore Business School App which enables Masters students easily manage their lecture sessions, study group schedules and download lecture content and assignment s from the school’s e-learning system. Also launched was the “Church Application” which enables christian communities share their faith stories and favorite scriptures as well as the “Kitoweo African Cuisine” app which provides for recipes for African dishes.
The newly launched apps will be available on the Samsung App store in one week’s time and a part of a partnership program between Samsung and Strathmore iLab Africa to train and nurture students to come up with localized android applications. The partnership is part of Samsung’s business growth strategy for Kenya and rest of Africa which is based on creating an entrepreneurial attitude among Kenyan youth in the Information, Communication and technology sector.
