Could you tell us a little about yourself and where you’re from?
I’m Kevin Oigara Tamaro, a graduand of Mount Kenya University – Bsc. in Computer and Electronics Systems. I was born and raised in Kenya, and my passion for technology and problem-solving has driven me to explore the world of electronics and programming.
What inspired you to pursue your field of study?
I’ve always been fascinated by how technology works and its potential to solve real-world challenges. My curiosity and desire to create innovative solutions made electronics and programming the perfect fields for me to pursue.
What led you to choose this particular course and university?
Computer and Electronics Systems was the ideal blend of hardware and software, allowing me to develop versatile skills. Mount Kenya University stood out because of its hands-on learning environment and strong focus on practical applications, which perfectly aligned with my ambitions.
Are there any standout experiences or memorable moments that have shaped you academically?
Definitely!
One of the most memorable experiences was working with the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) at Nairobi Safari Hotel. I managed teleconferencing systems and electronic devices, ensuring smooth and productive events. It was a practical experience that solidified my skills and confidence in electronics.
How would you describe your overall experience on campus?
My time on campus has been enriching and transformative. I’ve grown both academically and personally. I was fortunate to engage in activities like lawn tennis, which taught me discipline and teamwork, and I spent countless hours innovating in the tech lab and engineering workshop.
What were some of your favorite places or hangout spots on campus?
The tech lab and the engineering workshop were my favorite places. They were hubs of creativity where I could experiment, design, and innovate.
Were you involved in any clubs, sports, or student organizations?
Yes, I’ve been an active lawn tennis player since 2019, proudly representing Mount Kenya University in the Kenya University Sports Association (KUSA) games.
How have these activities impacted your university experience and personal growth?
Being part of the lawn tennis team taught me valuable lessons like resilience, time management, and teamwork. These qualities have been crucial in balancing academics, sports, and project development.
What challenges did you face during your time at university, and how did you overcome them?
Balancing coursework with extracurricular activities and developing my project, SafeSpeed-Guardian, was challenging. I overcame these hurdles by improving my time management skills and maintaining a focused mindset.
What unique opportunities did you encounter that you believe prepared you for the future?
Working on SafeSpeed-Guardian was a defining opportunity. It’s a progressive web application designed to improve road safety by integrating GPS, Bluetooth, and real-time analytics to monitor and reward safe driving behavior. It prepared me for future innovations by combining theoretical knowledge with practical problem-solving.
Tell us About SafeSpeed -Guardian App
SafeSpeed-Guardian is an innovative progressive web application engineered to enhance road safety in Kenya by leveraging advanced technologies and user-centric design. The system integrates GPS for accurate navigation, Bluetooth connectivity for seamless device pairing, and real-time analytics to monitor and evaluate driver behavior. At its core, the application promotes safe driving habits through a structured points-based reward system, while issuing proactive alerts to mitigate overspeeding and prevent reckless driving.
One of the standout features of SafeSpeed-Guardian is its intuitive route navigation interface, allowing users to input destinations using town names rather than traditional GPS coordinates—an approach designed to improve accessibility and ease of use. The application also dynamically adjusts to real-time conditions, ensuring both route visibility and marker updates as users move toward their destinations.
How has university life changed you as a person?
It has made me more resilient, adaptable, and resourceful. I’ve learned to tackle challenges head-on, collaborate with others, and think critically in both academics and personal endeavors.
What skills or lessons have you gained that you’ll carry forward in your career?
I’ve gained technical skills in electronics and programming, alongside essential soft skills like teamwork, leadership, and effective communication. These lessons will guide me in creating impactful solutions in the future..
Outside of academics, what are some of your personal interests or hobbies?
I’m passionate about lawn tennis and cryptocurrency trends. Both keep me engaged, whether on the court or while exploring the future of digital finance.
If you could go back to your first year, is there anything you’d do differently?
I’d focus more on emerging technologies like blockchain earlier and take full advantage of all available learning resources and opportunities.
What are your goals and plans after graduation?
My immediate goal is to expand SafeSpeed-Guardian into a widely adopted application and to contribute to road safety improvements. I also plan to continue innovating in electronics and programming to create solutions that positively impact communities.
How do you hope to make an impact in your field or community?
I aim to use my expertise to solve pressing challenges in road safety and technology. Through projects like SafeSpeed-Guardian, I hope to foster safer driving practices and contribute to technological advancements that benefit society.
What advice would you give to current or incoming students?
Stay curious, embrace challenges, and make the most of your time on campus. Engage in extracurricular activities and use every opportunity to learn and grow.
What are you currently reading?
I’m reading Clean Code by Robert C. Martin to sharpen my programming skills, Mastering Bitcoin: Unlocking Digital Cryptocurrencies by Andreas M. Antonopoulos to explore blockchain technology, and The Art of Electronics by Paul Horowitz and Winfield Hill to deepen my electronics knowledge
Compiled by: Heri Manyara
Email: herimanyara95@gmail.com