Nairobi, Kenya

Established in 1899, today’s top student in the district is more than just a maintenance yard. What began as a simple depot is now rising to be the continent’s next major business boss. There have been a lot of cynical comments about it being the top student as people can’t see as to why a city with dangerous streets and maddening traffic could be the smartest city in Africa.

Nairobi is behind Lagos and Johannesburg when talking about money in technology innovations, but it has by far has the smartest ideas. The issue is that it writes the greatest cook books, but doesn’t have enough chefs to cook. The ranking is based on innovation, education and technology in solving problems in the community.

What specifically makes Nairobi a smart city is that it has Africa’s largest mobile market. It’s making progress in creating a connected society. Some of it’s innovative projects include the use of mobile money to pay fees by the Nairobi country government, thus helping to decrease payment inefficiencies and introducing a layer of transparency over the whole process.

New technology devices and apps were established to make voting easier, for people to be more informed about the elections, the process, the different parties and the like. The Youth charity YIAGA has set up ThumbPower which gets Nigerians to "use your thumb wisely." The process is set up in languages anyone can understand. Interactive maps are used to make it easier for users to be connected to local activists and the countdown clock is a reminder that the new elections date is approaching fast.

Upcoming innovations also include improving bus services or the ability to ride a bike safely in the city, non-motorized transport infrastructure. The iHub is an innovation hub for building a technically advanced Nairobi, in this the young upcoming entrepreneurs receive training, Internet connectivity and the possibility of venture funding through connections with the international venture capital community.

Author: Sibongiseni Dlomo

Editor: Sinethemba Cele

References:

CNBC,. 'Cashless Africa: Kenya’S Success With Mobile Money'. N.p., 2013. Web. 14 May 2015.

allAfrica.com,. 'Africa: Why Nairobi Is Ranked The 'Smartest City' In Africa'. N.p., 2015. Web. 14 May 2015.