Episode 3 | Season Finale! Embracing Grit: A Decade of Hard Work

Welcome to the gripping finale of the Open Chat Series! In this awe-inspiring episode, our visionary Co-Founders take you on an unforgettable journey through the last ten years since the birth of The Open Institute Organisation. Prepare to be moved as they delve into the raw reality of their relentless pursuit of a shared mission, shaping their brainchild with unwavering determination and unparalleled dedication.<br /><br />Join Al Kags and Jay Bhalla as they share their profound wisdom with earnest authenticity. "Work Hard and be smart while at it," Al Kags asserts, a mantra that has propelled them to the pinnacle of success. Through the peaks and valleys, they have risen, proving that passion and perseverance know no bounds.<br /><br />As the Open Chats Season One concludes, a treasure trove of inspiration awaits you. Witness the triumph of spirit and learn from the unfiltered experiences of these visionary leaders. Their tale of blood, sweat, and tears will stir your soul, igniting the flames of motivation within you.<br />With Season Two on the horizon, more riveting conversations are just around the corner. <br /><br />Don't miss the gripping conclusion of Open Chats Season One!<br /><br /></p>New OpenChats episodes are released weekly.<br /><br />Subscribe and follow us on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@OpenInstituteAfrica">YouTube</a> to watch the conversations!</p>

00:21:13

Episode 2 | The Story Unfolds: Exploring the Highs & Lows That Have Shaped OI

Welcome to "Open Chats" Season 1, Episode 2, where the captivating story continues to unfold as our founders Jay Bhalla and Al Kags delve into the incredible highs and challenging lows that have left an indelible mark on the Open Institute (OI). <br /><br />Get to know the secrets behind its remarkable success as we explore the thrilling breakthroughs and daunting obstacles that have shaped the legacy of OI.</p>New OpenChats episodes are released weekly.<br /><br />Subscribe and follow us on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@OpenInstituteAfrica">YouTube</a> to watch the conversations!</p>

00:15:33

Episode 1 | Unveiling the birth of Open Institute

In this captivating video, prepare to be taken on a mesmerizing journey as we delve deep into the origins of this incredible organization. Join the charismatic duo of Al Kags and Jay Bhalla, the brilliant founders of Open Institute, as they unravel the captivating tale of how it all began.<br /><br />From a simple spark of an idea to meticulous planning, ingenious strategies, and flawless execution, witness the evolution of Open Institute into the powerhouse it is today. But hold on tight, because this adventure is not for the faint of heart!<br /><br />Throughout this thrilling series, you'll encounter a constellation of remarkable individuals who played an integral role in shaping Open Institute's path. They're not just names; they're the heroes who helped turn dreams into reality. <br /><br />Come and join us as we raise our glasses to a remarkable decade of excellence, empowering citizens, and building a future brighter than the sun itself! <br />Don't miss out on the upcoming episodes of this series for the extraordinary opportunity to witness our awe-inspiring journey firsthand.<br /><br />#OI@10 #activecitizens #ResponsiveGovernment #OpenInstitute10Years #DataAndGovernance #KenyaDevelopment</p>New OpenChats episodes are released weekly.<br /><br />Subscribe and follow us on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@OpenInstituteAfrica">YouTube</a> to watch the conversations!</p>

00:12:33

Season 2 Trailer | Celebrating a Decade of Growth!

Welcome to our new Open Chats Season! We are excited to launch Season 1 as we commemorate a momentous milestone - our 10th anniversary in advocating for responsive governments and active citizens in Kenya and beyond.<br /><br />Over the past decade, Open Institute has been at the forefront of driving positive change, harnessing the power of data to empower individuals and communities. Through innovative initiatives and collaborations, we have transformed the landscape of governance in Kenya, promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation.<br /><br />In this captivating trailer, we invite you to embark on a remarkable journey, reliving our most impactful projects, engaging events, and inspiring success stories. Get ready to witness the incredible transformations facilitated by our data-driven approach, empowering communities to shape their own futures.<br /><br />Join us as we celebrate a decade of excellence, empowering citizens, and building a brighter future. Don't miss out on this opportunity to be a part of our remarkable journey. <br /><br />✅ Hit that play button and be inspired!</p>New OpenChats episodes are released weekly.<br /><br />Subscribe and follow us on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@OpenInstituteAfrica">YouTube</a> to watch the conversations!</p>

00:00:57

Episode 5 with Davis Adieno | The value of the citizen voice in governance

Join us for the final episode of the season as our new board chairman, Davis Adieno, shares his journey of working with the government years ago to audit CDF (Constituency Development Fund) projects and how citizen empowerment played a powerful role in his work. In this thought-provoking conversation, Davis Adieno reflects on the power of citizen empowerment through social audits and the role of technology in making it all possible. <br /><br />Discover how citizen voices can influence change and hold leaders accountable.</p><br /></p><br /></p>New OpenChats episodes are released weekly.<br /><br />Subscribe and follow us on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@OpenInstituteAfrica">YouTube</a> to watch the conversations!</p>

00:27:50

Episode 4 with Geci Karuri-Sebina | Mentorship and Innovation to solve OUR problems

"I happily make time for young people because I remember being young with full of hopes and dreams and not always having the audience support or people to believe in me. That is a stage where people have energy and faith that they can do something greater." <br /><br />In this episode, Prof. Geci Karuri-Sebina talks about her passions for innovation and civic tech and how we use these to solve the problems we have in our context. She also discusses the opportunities and challenges of mentoring young people. <br /><br /><br /></p>New OpenChats episodes are released weekly.<br /><br />Subscribe and follow us on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@OpenInstituteAfrica">YouTube</a> to watch the conversations!</p>

00:26:56

Episode 3 with Brian Longwe | It's about time Africans Began to Build Their Own Africa

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Brian Longwe, the CEO and co-founder of Converged Technologies Malawi, about his mission to connect people through technology and promote active citizenship in Africa. In our latest Open Chat, he shares his inspiring vision for a more connected and empowered continent, and emphasizes the importance of individuals taking responsibility for shaping their own futures. <br /><br />Listen, engage and learn how you can contribute to building a brighter tomorrow for Africa. <br />It's either we Go Big or Go Home! <br /><br />#Africa #Technology #SocialChange #ActiveCitizenship</p>New OpenChats episodes are released weekly.<br /><br />Subscribe and follow us on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@OpenInstituteAfrica">YouTube</a> to watch the conversations!</p>

00:19:08

Episode 2 with Nivi Sharma | Rural Isolation is the Root Cause of Poverty

"There are people who can't get to a market, to a school, or to a health care facility - all these things that we take for granted are the real cause of poverty in rural areas."<br /><br />We had a wonderful conversation with Nivi Sharma, CEO of Bridges to Prosperity and a member of our Board of Directors, about her transition from tech to infrastructure, and how her passion for access for rural communities meets our work to make the invisibles visible. <br /><br />Listen and share!<br /><br /><br /></p>New OpenChats episodes are released weekly.<br /><br />Subscribe and follow us on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@OpenInstituteAfrica">YouTube</a> to watch the conversations!</p>

00:18:53

Episode 1 with Dr. Shikoh Gitau | There are 700,000 Unmet Data Science Opportunities in Kenya

Dr. Shikoh Gitau is a Computer Scientist, and the CEO at <a href="https://qhala.com/">Qhala</a> Ltd, a Digital Innovation company that catalyzes digital transformation capabilities for organizations across Africa. <br /><br />We chatted with her about innovation, technology and the untapped potential in Africa for data scientists. Her passion for grassroots impact at scale inspires her to keep supporting our work at the Open Institute. Shikoh has served on our Board of Advisors for the past 10 years, and has now joined our Board of Directors!</p>New OpenChats episodes are released weekly.<br /><br />Subscribe and follow us on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@OpenInstituteAfrica">YouTube</a> to watch the conversations!</p>

00:18:18

Season 1 Trailer | Welcome to The Open Chats With The Open Institute!

<b>We are excited to announce the launch of our new talk show series, </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wJ2h94LkW4&list=PLHmUSmRigMKmjuEKnJs2NA3xAzyTp4jjS"><b>Open Chats by The Open Institute!</b></a><b> </b></p><b>This new show brings together leaders and experts in development and governance to discuss the future of Africa and the megatrends that are shaping the world today. Our mission is to provide a platform for insightful conversations and exchanging ideas that will lead to innovative solutions and a better future for Africa.</b></p><b>At Open Chats by The Open Institute, we will bring together leaders and experts to discuss these megatrends and their impact on Africa. We aim to provide a platform for insightful conversations and exchanging ideas that will lead to innovative solutions and a better future for Africa. We invite you to join us on this journey as we explore the future of Africa and the world.</b></p><b>In our Season Zero, we start off with our new board members - including Nivi Sharma, who has dedicated her life to providing access to children, women and rural populations, first using the internet and now by building literal bridges! We shall feature computer scientist per excellence, Dr Shikoh Gitau, who has worked hard to change how major decisions are made using hardcore data science and Brian Longwe, who has built internet networks in multiple African countries for the past 30 years. </b></p>New OpenChats episodes are released weekly.<br /><br />Subscribe and follow us on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@OpenInstituteAfrica">YouTube</a> to watch the conversations!</p>

00:01:56