The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) continues to affirm its reputation as a hub of academic excellence and global opportunity, with its students increasingly securing competitive international placements.
In a remarkable achievement, Gheida Abdallah, a final year Bachelor of Information Technology student, was selected to participate in the prestigious Community Engagement Exchange Programme in the United States and has since commenced the programme.
The programme, facilitated by the U.S. Embassy, brings together emerging global leaders to gain hands-on experience, exchange knowledge, and advance community-driven initiatives.
Gheida is being hosted at Arizona State University, where she is spending three months working within the Innovation Department. As part of the programme, she is also exploring diverse innovation ecosystems and learning environments across U.S. cities, including Illinois and Washington, D.C.
Her selection is a testament not only to her academic excellence but also to her outstanding contribution to community development through technology. Gheida earned the opportunity through her impactful work as the founder of Girls I Save Africa (G-Save), an initiative dedicated to empowering young girls to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
She noted that G-Save began as a small high school project and has now grown into a nationwide movement, reaching over 5,000 girls across Kenya. Through G-Save, she has travelled to more than 15 counties, including marginalized regions such as Wajir and Marsabit, equipping young learners with digital skills, mentorship, and exposure to opportunities in technology.
Speaking on her achievement, Gheida described the opportunity as a defining moment in her academic and personal journey.
“I am very excited about this opportunity. It is my first time being away from home for three months, and as a young girl from Mombasa County, I am proud to represent Kenya, my university, and my work. This is a huge achievement for me,” she said.
She emphasized that she is particularly eager to explore advancements in artificial intelligence and technology policy, with the aim of translating the knowledge gained into meaningful impact back home.
“I want to learn from global experts and diverse communities, then return and share this knowledge with fellow students and young people in Kenya,” she added.
Gheida attributes her success to dedication, resilience, and the strong academic and mentorship support she has received at TUM. She emphasized that her classroom experience played a crucial role in shaping her problem-solving mindset and passion for innovation.
“My classroom experience at TUM introduced me to coding and building solutions tailored to real community needs. These are the lessons I am taking with me to the United States,” she noted.
She also acknowledged the unwavering support of her lecturers.
“My lecturers, especially Dr Kariuki and Dr Tole, have been incredibly supportive since my first year. They believed in me, followed up on my work, and constantly encouraged me to push beyond my limits. Their support helped me balance my academics, my startup, and my advocacy work.”
Her outstanding work has earned her recognition both locally and internationally. She was named among the top global youth leaders at the World Internet Conference in China, where she represented Africa in discussions on technology and innovation.
She has also received several honors, including the Presidential Innovation Award, the Innovation for Social Change Award, and recognition from the Women on Board Network. Additionally, her work has been featured on international platforms, and she has been invited as a speaker at an Artificial Intelligence Summit in Riyadh.
