GEOHABARI

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Aug 2026

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Amplifying African Tech Stories and Elevating Technical Brilliance. This is a podcast for the geospatial community.

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August 17, 2026Episode 1441 min

S3 E14: From Open Geospatial to NASA Lifelines & Authoring Astral Abyss

Thank you for being here. Text Geohabari In this episode of the GeoHabari Young Professionals Segment, I sat down with Nelson, a recent geospatial graduate, for one of those conversations that starts in geospatial and somehow ends up elsewhere. We got into the world of Open Geospatial data and tools, his experience with OpenStreetMap (OSM) and what it has taught him about building communities around open data. Nelson also shared his experience as a microgrant juror, giving us a glimpse into the kinds of ideas and projects that are emerging from the open mapping ecosystem. We then took things a little further out. Nelson talked about his role as an advisor for NASA Lifelines, the thinking behind building systems that can support communities through some of the world's biggest challenges, and where geospatial data fits into that picture. And because apparently maps and space weren't enough, we also got into his new book, Astral Abyss, exploring another side of Nelson's work, hobbies and imagination. It's a conversation about open data, mapping, community, space, technology, creativity and the strange paths a career can take when you don't put yourself in one box. Because sometimes the most interesting geospatial careers aren't the ones that follow a straight line. Watch. Listen. And maybe rethink what you think "Geospatial" can actually become. The book Astral Abyss is available on Amazon; https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/9914509312?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_SH2SERCMR79GR3K8N32D&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_SH2SERCMR79GR3K8N32D&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_SH2SERCMR79GR3K8N32D&bestFormat=true #GeoHabari #YoungProfessionals #OpenStreetMap #OpenGeoSpatial #GIS #NASA #Geospatial #OpenData #Space #AstralAbyss

July 27, 2026Episode 133 min

S3E13: Why Countries Must Invest in National Data Systems

Thank you for being here. Text Geohabari What does it take for countries to build data systems that serve their people, strengthen governance, and shape their own digital futures? On the sidelines of the Global Data Festival and the Kenya Space Expo and Conference 2026, we sat down with Jenna Slotin, CEO of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, to explore what success looks like for national data systems in the years ahead. In this conversation, we discuss: Why countries should invest in data systems as critical infrastructure What it means for nations to drive their own digital futures in the age of AI The role of governments, citizens and partnerships in building resilient, trusted data ecosystems

July 22, 2026Episode 1249 min

S3E12: What Is Space Weather? How It Affects GPS, Satellites & Your Everyday Life

Thank you for being here. Text Geohabari Have you ever heard someone introduce themselves as a Space Weather Expert? Neither had we. In this episode of the GeoHabari Young Professionals Segment, Linus sits down with Mary Dusabe, a Navigation & Positioning Engineer at the Kenya Space Agency, researcher, instrumentation engineer, and space weather specialist, to unpack one of the most fascinating careers you've probably never heard of. Together, they explore what space weather actually is, why solar storms matter, how they affect GPS, satellites and communication systems, and why this field is becoming increasingly important in our connected world. But beyond the science lies an equally inspiring story. Mary shares her journey into this highly specialized field, the decisions that shaped her career, the value of curiosity, the importance of building strong technical and communication skills, and why young professionals shouldn't be afraid to explore paths that don't yet have a roadmap. Whether you're in geospatial sciences, engineering, technology, or simply trying to figure out your own career path, this conversation is packed with practical insights and a refreshing reminder that some of the most exciting careers are the ones we were never told about. If you enjoyed this conversation, don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share it with someone who loves technology, science, or is still figuring out where their career might take them.

July 13, 2026Episode 115 min

S3E11 : Shaping Kenya's Space Future | Major General Hillary Kipkosgey

Thank you for being here. Text Geohabari What keeps the Director-General of the Kenya Space Agency, Major General Hillary Kipkosgey, up at night? We caught up with him on the sidelines of the Global Data Festival and Kenya Space Conference & Expo to hear his perspective on: What success looks like for Kenya's space sector and the broader African ecosystem How Africa can collectively strengthen the upstream and downstream space value chain. The one question we couldn't leave without asking: What keeps him up at night?

July 6, 2026Episode 1050 min

S3E10: Murky Road to Discovering Your Path

Thank you for being here. Text Geohabari What if the best career decisions aren't the ones you planned... but the ones you were curious enough to explore? In this episode of the Young Professionals Segment on the GeoHabari Podcast, Linus and Chelsea sit down with Majuek, whose career journey is anything but conventional. Rather than following a neatly laid-out roadmap, he shares the lessons, mindset shifts, and experiences that helped shape his professional journey, and why sometimes the path only makes sense when you look back. Together, they explore what it really means to create opportunities for yourself, build meaningful relationships, communicate your value, and remain open to unexpected turns along the way. One of the standout moments from the conversation? "If I can't call you tomorrow after networking, then all I just did was add a contact to my list." It's a simple statement, but it completely reframes what networking is really about. Whether you're a student trying to figure out your next step, an early-career professional navigating uncertainty, or someone simply wondering if they're "behind" in life, this conversation is a reminder that careers aren't built in straight lines—they're built through curiosity, relationships, consistency, and the courage to keep moving. Sometimes the road is murky. That doesn't mean you're lost. It might just mean you're discovering a path that's uniquely yours.

June 29, 2026Episode 954 min

S3E9: When Data Meets Reality: Lessons from Agriculture & Public Health

Thank you for being here. Text Geohabari On this episode, host Yariwo Kitiyo sits down with Lisa Mbwia a Data and Spatial Consultant and Nancy Kinyua - Geospatial & MERL Specialist | Data Systems to explore what it really takes to turn data into impact in two of the most data-rich sectors: public health and agriculture. Drawing from their experience working across geospatial technologies, public health, agriculture and development programmes, they unpack the realities of working with data in complex, real-world systems. From community health workers and smallholder farms to field validation, fragmented systems and data governance, this conversation goes beyond the datasets to explore the people, processes and decisions that ultimately shape impact. Together, they discuss: - The current state of the public health and agriculture data ecosystem. - Practical applications of GIS and geospatial data in solving real-world challenges. - Why rich datasets don't always translate into better outcomes. - The realities of navigating fragmented data systems, governance and implementation. - What builders, policymakers, funders and practitioners should consider when designing solutions that work in practice.

June 22, 2026Episode 829 min

S3E8: Builders Reality Room – Ecosystem Perspectives on Data and Space Systems

Thank you for being here. Text Geohabari What do we need to build data and space systems that underpin sustainable development? In Part II of The Builders Reality Room, we move beyond the builder's journey and into the ecosystem itself. Bringing together perspectives from startups, funding and development organizations, government institutions, academia, and data and AI practitioners, this conversation explores what happens when the actors responsible for building, enabling, regulating, researching, and scaling systems sit at the same table. Featuring Agnes Tsuma (GIZ), Eddie Kago (Antugrow), Charles Mwangi (Kenya Space Agency), Kory Korir (Amini), and Dr. Pamela Ochungo (Technical University of Kenya), the discussion unpacks how these ecosystem actors intersect in practice, where the gaps remain, and what it will take to build data and space systems that deliver impact at scale. This episode is part of Geohabari's Global Data Festival 2026 and Kenya Space Expo Conference series.

June 15, 2026Episode 725 min

S3E7: Antugrow: From a Research Project to an Agri-Data Intelligence Company

Thank you for being here. Text Geohabari How do we need to build data and space systems that underpin sustainable development? At the Global Data Festival and Kenya Space Expo Conference, Geohabari explored this question through The Builders Reality Room , a session bringing together different ecosystem perspectives on what it takes to build systems that create real-world impact. We begin with the builder’s perspective. Antugrow, with over 3,000 farmers on the platform, paying customers, and growing adoption, offers a grounded view of what building looks like in practice. As COO Brian Amani notes, customers don’t necessarily care about the data — they care about the value it creates. In this episode, Brian shares Antugrow’s journey from a research project to a growing agri-data intelligence company, including the iterations that shaped the platform and how farmer challenges around information, finance, and performance informed its evolution. The session also explores their product journey — from Antugrow Farm Adviser, powered by Earth Observation data, to SmartShamba, an integrated agricultural intelligence ecosystem comprising SmartShamba Intelligence, SmartShamba Search, SmartShamba Diary, and Shambani. This is Inside the Build — Part I of The Builders Reality Room.

June 8, 2026Episode 61 hr 18 min

S3E6: Inside the Hiring Room: Secrets to Passing the Interview

Thank you for being here. Text Geohabari Ever wondered what actually happens after you click "Submit Application"? In this episode of the Young Professionals Segment on GeoHabari Podcast, Linus and AnnStella sit down with Kate and Diana, Co-Founders of Talent Partner Limited, for an honest conversation about what happens inside the hiring room and how young professionals can better position themselves for opportunities in today's job market. Together, they unpack the realities of recruitment, what recruiters and hiring managers pay attention to when reviewing applications, and some of the common mistakes that cause candidates to miss out on opportunities. The conversation explores: What recruiters look for in a CV The role of skills, experience, and academic qualifications Building portfolios that stand out LinkedIn and professional branding Interview preparation and presentation Common application mistakes The realities of hiring in today's market Practical advice for students, graduates, and early-career professionals Most importantly, this episode moves beyond theory and dives into practical insights that can help you navigate your next application, interview, or career move with greater confidence. Whether you're a student preparing for the job market, a recent graduate, or a professional looking to position yourself more effectively, this conversation is packed with actionable lessons and insider perspectives. Enjoy!

May 26, 2026Episode 51 hr 11 min

S3E5 :Freelancing, Building a GIS Firm & Balancing Both

Thank you for being here. Text Geohabari On this episode, the hosts —Yariwo Kitiyo and Joyce Gathoni — sit down for a heart-to-heart conversation with Wanjohi Kibui, a GIS consultant and Founder & Director of LiGIS Consulting. We explore his journey from starting out as a freelancer to eventually building a company and leading a growing team. Wanjohi shares how his early career was shaped by major projects, including building a land information system for the National Land Commission and how that opened doors to long-term contracts and clients across the region. He also unpacks the realities of freelancing , the opportunities, the challenges and what it really takes to sustain it, while also running a GIS consultancy firm. We dig into how he balances both worlds and what that looks like in practice. Along the way, we get practical insights on how to sell your services, position yourself for gigs, and build credibility in a competitive space. If you’re interested in independence from the start i.e freelancing, consulting, or building your own company while planning for long-term growth , this episode is for you. Wanjohi has spent much of his career working independently, and he brings a grounded, real-world perspective on what that journey actually looks like.