ABOUT EVENT

Welcome to RubyConfAfrica 2024

ARC aims to unite entrepreneurs, developers, designers, and open-source contributors to tackle various challenges. By embracing entrepreneurship and open-source principles, ARC believes in offering comprehensive solutions to numerous issues. Attendees are equipped with both technological tools and entrepreneurial methodologies to maximize their potential and inspire others in their communities and beyond.
  • Showcase and advocate for Open Source technologies as catalysts for advancement across Industry, Entrepreneurship, and Academia.
  • Foster discussions and explore how Agile methodologies can be adapted and optimized for sustainable development practices within the Ruby community.
  • Provide insights, Inspire and equip Ruby developers with the entrepreneurial mindset and skills necessary to build successful tech startups.
  • Elevate the status of the Ruby community in Africa to become a globally recognized and integrated community.

Keynote Speakers

DHH - Creator of Ruby on Rails

David Heinemeier Hansson

Creator of Ruby on Rails

Speakers

Bernard Banta - Co-founder Finplus.

Bernard Banta

Co-founder of Finplus
Hitoshi Hasumi - Creator of PicoRuby and PRK Firmware. Maintainer of ruby/irb, ruby/reline, and mrubyc/mrubyc.

Hitoshi Hasumi

Creator of PicoRuby and PRK Firmware.
Dávid Halász - Principal Software Engineer at Red Hat

Dávid Halász

Principal Software Engineer at Red Hat
WHY ATTEND THE CONFERENCE?

As a Student, Programmer, Developer/Engineer

  • Explore New Markets: Gain insights into emerging trends and market dynamics. Learn how Ruby is being leveraged across different industries to create impactful solutions and tap into new market opportunities.
  • Job / Internship Opportunities: Meet top tech companies and startups looking to hire talented individuals like you. Discover exciting job openings/internships and take the next step in your career.
  • Expand Your Knowledge: Attend insightful talks and workshops led by industry experts. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest trends, tools, and best practices in Ruby and Software development.
  • Build Valuable Connections: Network with fellow programmers, developers, and industry leaders. Forge connections that can lead to collaborations, job referrals, and lasting professional relationships.
  • Mentorship: Gain guidance and advice from experienced mentors. Learn from their journeys and get the support you need to navigate your career path.

As an Entrepreneur or Investor

  • Investment Opportunities: Connect with promising startups and established businesses showcasing innovative projects and cutting-edge solutions. Discover investment prospects that align with your vision and strategy.
  • Discover Top Talent: Network with some of the brightest minds in the Ruby community. Whether you're looking for developers, designers, or tech enthusiasts, the conference is a hotspot for talent ready to drive your business forward.
  • Build Valuable Connections: Engage with industry leaders, potential partners, and like-minded professionals. Expand your network and forge relationships that can lead to fruitful collaborations and partnerships, especially in Africa!
TRAVELLING GUIDE

Traveling to Nairobi, Kenya for Ruby Conf 2024

  • By Air — Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO): Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is the main airport serving Nairobi, located approximately 20 km from KCA University on Thika Road.
  • Airport to Venue: From Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you can take a taxi or use ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt that can be downloaded on Apple/Google Playstore to reach KCA University or your hotel. Follow the airport signs to the designated taxi pickup area. For a faster route and to avoid traffic on Mombasa Road, consider using the Nairobi Expressway. Follow signs for the expressway from the airport. Toll fees apply.
  • By Bus — Matatus: Matatus are the primary mode of public transportation in Nairobi, offering routes across the city. Several matatu routes pass through Thika Road, making it convenient to reach KCA University. From various points in Nairobi, you can take a matatu heading towards Thika Road and alight at the closest stop to KCA University.
  • From Downtown Nairobi: If you're coming from downtown Nairobi, consider taking a matatu heading towards Githurai, Ruiru, or any route passing through Thika Road and alight at Survey stage along Thika Road. After crossing the road, opposite you will find the venue. You can take Super Metro or Lopha Travelers and alight at the nearest stop along Thika Road, Survey.
  • By Private Car: If you drive to the venue, you can use navigation apps like Google Maps to find the best route to KCA University on Thika Road. Consider using the Nairobi Expressway for a faster route, especially during peak traffic hours. Parking facilities will be available on-site.

- Ensure to have local currency (Kenyan Shilling) for taxi fares, matatu rides, or other transportation expenses.

- Consider downloading local ride-hailing apps like Little or inDriver for convenient transportation options within Nairobi.

- Plan your journey, especially during peak hours, to avoid traffic congestion in Nairobi.

- If you need assistance or have any questions about transportation options in Nairobi, feel free to contact the event organizers for guidance and support.

Getting to the City Center/Your Accommodation from the Airport

  • The most reasonable way to get to the city center is by taking a taxi or a ride-hailing service like Uber or the Yellow Taxi Cabs at the airport. You can download Uber from Apple or Google PlayStore beforehand and do registration when you get a SIM card at the airport. These services are reliable and will take you directly to your destination. (If you booked a hotel/AirBnB ask for a pin location/location name to feed to the App)
  • Uber has card/cash payment options: Consider using these options if you can to avoid cash handling and in case you consider doing currency conversion outside the airport.
  • Buying a SIM Card: Yes, I recommend buying a SIM card for convenient communication and internet access. You can purchase one at the airport upon arrival. Look for kiosks or shops of major providers like Safaricom, Airtel, or Telkom. They offer various plans, including data bundles. We highly recommend getting Safaricom lines for they are most efficient. If you have an eSIM free slot in your phone we advise for this.
  • Currency Conversion: There are available bureaus for currency conversion at the airport that offer different conversion rates. If the airport conversions are not within your budget, other bureaus can be located using Google Maps search (Bureaus near me).

- Carry some local currency (Kenyan Shillings) for small purchases with you, as not all places accept credit cards.

- Avoid accepting rides from unregistered taxis or individuals offering transportation services inside the airport. Stick to using the Uber app you download or the yellow Airport taxis you’ll easily spot at the airport.

- Be cautious with your belongings everywhere, to avoid pickpocketing or snatching. Do not allow unauthorized/uniformed people to assist with carrying your luggage around.

Platinum Sponsors


These Platinum Sponsors are making a big impact on our event! 💪
KCA University
KopoKopo
African Ruby Community

Silver Sponsors


These Silver Sponsors are making a big impact on our event! 💪
AppSignal
Finplus Group
Africa Data School

Partners


These partners are all in for the event! 💪
Nairobits
Planet Argon
Solutech
Microverse
Ruby Central
Friendly Ruby
WNB
Quikk API
Zote App
Andpad

Previous Sponsors


These were our previous sponsors who contributed to the success of past events! 🙌
KopoKopo
Nairobits
Shopify
Kwara
Andela
IHub
Turing