In the heart of Kenya’s bustling tech scene, Yvonne Kagondu stands as a beacon of innovation, resilience, and empowerment. As the founder of ICP Hub Kenya and the Kenya Blockchain Ladies DAO, she is leading a transformative wave in the blockchain industry, breaking barriers and inspiring women to step into the dynamic world of Web3.
Bridging Gaps with ICP Hub Kenya
In 2023, Yvonne launched ICP Hub Kenya, a community-driven initiative designed to empower developers and entrepreneurs in East Africa by equipping them with blockchain knowledge and skills. Her inspiration? The glaring gaps in skills development, mentorship, and project incubation in the region’s blockchain ecosystem.
“Blockchain is revolutionizing industries globally, but many young people in Kenya struggle to access the resources and training needed to tap into this potential,” Yvonne explains. ICP Hub Kenya addresses these challenges head-on by offering structured training programs, mentorship opportunities, and project incubation services.
One of the flagship programs at the hub is the Dacade Courses, which provide accessible and flexible training for developers keen to transition from Web2 to Web3. To date, the hub has certified over 500 developers, many of whom are now building impactful solutions on the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP). Beyond training, the hub fosters job creation through partnerships with blockchain companies and connects developers with real-world opportunities.
Through its project incubation services, ICP Hub Kenya transforms innovative ideas into market-ready products, offering business training, funding, and strategic guidance. “Our goal is to not only equip developers with technical skills but also with the entrepreneurial expertise they need to thrive,” Yvonne shares.
Empowering Women in Blockchain
Yvonne’s commitment to inclusion led her to found the Kenya Blockchain Ladies DAO in 2021. Recognizing the underrepresentation of women in the industry, she created a platform to mentor and train women, encouraging them to explore careers in blockchain.
“This initiative is about breaking barriers and showing women that they have a place in this space,” she says. Through mentorship programs and training sessions, the DAO not only equips women with essential skills but also provides incentives to keep them engaged and motivated.
A Journey of Resilience and Innovation
Yvonne’s journey into blockchain began in 2018 while working as an intern at the Kenyan Commercial Bank Group and later as part of Google’s Digital Skills for Africa program. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Her first step into the industry came in September 2018 when she joined KuBitX Exchange as an East African representative.
From there, Yvonne built an impressive career working with leading blockchain companies such as Aeternity, Bitcoinke, Paxful, and Token Minds. As a community leader, she played a pivotal role in cultivating some of Kenya’s largest crypto communities. “My roles varied, but my focus was always on driving market growth and fostering strong customer relationships,” she recalls.
Overcoming Challenges
Yvonne’s entrepreneurial journey hasn’t been without its challenges. “When I started, there was very little understanding of blockchain technology in Kenya. Most people associated it solely with cryptocurrencies,” she explains. Educating communities and demonstrating blockchain’s potential applications across industries like finance, agriculture, and healthcare became one of her primary objectives.
Another major hurdle was the lack of resources available to developers and entrepreneurs. “Many talented individuals had the drive but lacked the tools, mentorship, and funding to succeed. That gap was a key motivation for founding ICP Hub Kenya,” she says.
Through resilience and adaptability, Yvonne has turned these challenges into opportunities. “The blockchain space evolves rapidly. Staying relevant means continuously learning and embracing change,” she emphasizes.
Driving Change in Africa
Under Yvonne’s leadership, ICP Hub Kenya has become a cornerstone of blockchain innovation in East Africa. The hub has hosted hackathons, incubated groundbreaking projects, and fostered a culture of collaboration among developers. Yvonne is particularly proud of the first cohort of the ICP Hub Kenya Incubation Programme, which graduated in 2024. “Seeing these teams grow their ideas into real-world solutions has been incredibly rewarding,” she shares.
Beyond ICP Hub Kenya, Yvonne has become a sought-after voice in the blockchain space, speaking at events such as the Africa Liberty Forum, ETHSafari, and the Africa Digital Finance Summit. Her insights have been featured in leading media outlets, where she continues to champion blockchain as a tool for social and economic transformation.
As the blockchain industry evolves, Yvonne is excited about emerging technologies like Chain Fusion and the integration of AI with blockchain. “These innovations are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in decentralized systems,” she says. ICP Hub Kenya is also gearing up for the ICP Hub Global Townhall 3.0 on December 20, 2024, a platform that will bring global thought leaders and developers together to discuss the future of Web3.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those looking to break into the blockchain space, Yvonne’s advice is simple: “Focus on building knowledge and skills. There are so many free resources and communities out there. Start small, connect with others, and don’t be afraid to collaborate.”
Her message to women is particularly inspiring: “Blockchain is for everyone. Don’t let stereotypes hold you back. If you’re curious and willing to learn, you can make a difference in this space.”
A Legacy of Empowerment
Yvonne Kagondu’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, resilience, and community. Through her work, she is not only shaping the future of blockchain in Kenya but also inspiring a generation of women to dream big, take risks, and lead with purpose.
