In a small village in Karachuonyo Kanam, Homabay County, a young boy named Daniel Apolo Ochola would often be found tinkering with gadgets and dreaming of a future shaped by technology. Little did he know, his early curiosity and passion for innovation would propel him onto the global stage, earning him accolades and recognition in the fiercely competitive field of Information Technology.
Daniel, now a third-year student at Mount Kenya University (MKU), is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. He is the second youngest in a family that places a high value on education and hard work. His journey in technology began early, fueled by a deep sense of curiosity. Attending Abundu Primary School and later Oriwo Boys’ High School, Daniel’s Christian upbringing and active involvement in the Young Catholic Students (YCS) at MKU under ST Michael Jumuia significantly shaped his values and community spirit.
The Road to Huawei ICT Competition
In October 2023, while scrolling through Twitter, Daniel stumbled upon an announcement for the Huawei ICT Talent Academy competition. This prestigious event is designed to identify and nurture emerging talent in the ICT field, challenging participants with rigorous assessments and providing a platform to showcase their skills on a global stage. With a sense of excitement and determination, Daniel decided to take the plunge.
On November 30th, 2023, Daniel took his first competition test, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. Through various stages, he showcased his prowess in cloud computing and AI, culminating in his participation at the global level in Shenzhen, China, on May 24th, 2024. Daniel’s achievements were nothing short of extraordinary: he was ranked second nationally, won the second prize in the Southern Africa Region, and clinched the third prize at the global final level.
Reflecting on his journey, Daniel shares, “Participating in this competition came with its own set of challenges, including aligning diverse team skill sets and staying updated with the latest technological trends. However, these challenges were also opportunities for growth and learning. Through structured teamwork and continuous learning, we were able to overcome these obstacles and secure top positions at every stage.”
Skill Up Africa Expo & Conference 2024
Recently, Daniel had the honor of attending and discussing on a panel at the Skill Up Africa Expo & Conference 2024, held at Nairobi’s KICC from July 15th to 16th. The event, focused on “Youth Skills for Peace and Development,” highlighted the critical role of youth in fostering peace and sustainable development through skills acquisition and innovation.
Daniel passionately spoke about the importance of advancing the entrepreneurial spirit, showcasing how entrepreneurship propels economic growth and skill development. He emphasized, “By uniting young professionals, industry leaders, and policymakers, we underscore the vital role of youth in shaping a peaceful and prosperous future for Africa.”
Leadership and Co-curricular Activities
Daniel’s journey in IT has been greatly influenced by his involvement in co-curricular activities. As an active member of the Google Developer Student Club, he has attended numerous meetups that have honed his technical skills and expanded his professional network. Leading the establishment of the Huawei ICT Academy at MKU, Daniel aims to offer free professional skill-building opportunities to all interested students.
“I am proud to announce that I am now the Google Developer Student Club (GDSC) Lead at MKU,” Daniel beams. “Leadership roles have been instrumental in my development. Organizing coding workshops and tech seminars, and leading my team in the Huawei ICT competition, have taught me valuable lessons in coordination, time management, and effective team dynamics.”
Personal Interests and Future Plans
Outside of academics and competitions, Daniel enjoys reading and exploring new places. Currently, he is reading “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, which is helping him build personal skills and life values. His favorite dish, Ugali with Fish, reflects his roots from the lakeside region.
Looking ahead, Daniel aims to continue advancing in the IT field with a focus on innovative solutions and leadership roles. “My mentor, my brother Thomas, has been a significant influence, brainstorming ideas with me and developing solutions together,” he shares. Daniel is deeply committed to promoting STEM and IT education, participating in hackathons, and advocating for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Bitange Ndemo, a renowned Kenyan scholar, once said, “Technology is the new frontier for Africa’s development.” Daniel embodies this vision, demonstrating that with determination, support, and a passion for innovation, the youth can drive Africa’s technological advancement.
To his fellow IT students and prospective IT enthusiasts, Daniel offers this advice: “The future is indeed technology. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. Participate in competitions, join tech clubs, and never underestimate the power of teamwork and perseverance. The journey, though challenging, is immensely rewarding. Together, we can shape a brighter, tech-driven future.”
Daniel Apolo Ochola’s story is a testament to the power of dreams, hard work, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence. His journey from a curious boy in Karachuonyo Kanam to a global IT champion is an inspiration to all, proving that the future truly belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
Daniel’s story espouses the creativity, drive and resolve we should all emulate. Mount Kenya University will continue to provide an enabling environment for IT and IT students to sharpen their skills.
Compiled by Heri Manyara
herimanyara95@gmail.com