Most software developers spend their days solving business problems, building products or fixing code bugs, but Rose Njeri discovered that technology can also become a powerful tool for civic participation.
The Nairobi-based software developer shot into the national spotlight after creating an online platform that allowed Kenyans to submit objections to the 2025 Finance Bill with a single click.
The website simplified what had traditionally been a tedious public participation process that required citizens to draft emails and manually send their views to Parliament.
In a matter of days, the platform gained traction across social media as thousands of Kenyans used it to express their opinions on the proposed tax measures.
But the tool that turned her into a household name also thrust her into the centre of a heated national debate on digital rights and civic freedoms.
"I think there is room to explore how government can work with civic technologists to improve communication on laws and civic awareness among ordinary citizens and to make public services actually work for the people."
Authorities arrested her over allegations that the platform interfered with government communication systems, sparking public outrage and attracting support from civil society groups, lawyers and technology communities.
The case would eventually collapse in court after the charges were dismissed, but by then Njeri had become one of Kenya’s most recognisable technology activists.
The recognition soon extended beyond Kenya’s borders.
Last year, Time magazine named her among the world’s emerging leaders in its prestigious TIME100 Next list, citing her role in using technology to expand public participation and civic engagement.
The honour placed her among a select group of global figures shaping conversations around technology, governance and social change.
Yet Njeri’s work extends beyond a single website.
Today, she is working on the Surveillance and Accountability Project, researching digital surveillance practices in Kenya and across Africa while also training human rights defenders on digital security and spyware awareness.
“I think there is room to explore how government can work with civic technologists to improve communication on laws and civic awareness among ordinary citizens and to make public services actually work for the people,” she says.
“There’s also room for government to use technology not just for surveillance, but to improve service delivery across every sector.”
–Kabui Mwangi