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Month: February 2023

ESO Digitalization Training

The Association of Startup and SMEs Enablers of Kenya (ASSEK) is actively promoting networking among its members to become the driving force for entrepreneurial economic breakthroughs in Kenya. As a member of ASSEK, I.O.Me254 participated in a digitalization training ON aimed at capacity-building entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) to enhance their service delivery through digitization of their systems and processes.  The training covered various thematic areas, including Digital Business Model and Strategy, Digital Finance Management and Strategy, Digital Marketing Leadership and Strategy, Digitization of M&E, and Digital Fundraising. The ESO leaders were encouraged to develop a working business model canvas through a deeper understanding of their target customer segment using a human-centred design approach.  Digitalization of ESO processes was highly encouraged, and this included financial management. ESO leaders were urged to invest in financial management tools and not just accounting tools. Various common financial tools were discussed, ranging from Microsoft Excel to more comprehensive tools such as Xero and SAP B1.  Digital marketing was also covered in detail, and the main objectives of investing in digital marketing for ESOs were highlighted.   In conclusion, the digital transformation of ESOs is no longer an option but a necessary step to be taken. The initial investment can be relatively high but when done appropriately, return on investment is guaranteed. Strategic partnerships can be a cost-effective approach to steadily build towards digital transformation and growth of these organizations. ASSEK’s digitalization training provides a comprehensive guide for ESOs to enhance their service delivery through the digitization of their systems and processes. 

Lamu County Government Showcases Swahili Culture with CNC-Milled Mashrabia Wall Partitions

The Lamu County Government has recently introduced CNC-milled Mashrabia wall partitions in their offices to promote the local culture and traditional designs of Swahili artefacts. These lattice-work patterns have been an integral part of Swahili culture for centuries and are known for their geometric shapes and repetitive patterns, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow.   The CNC milling technology provided by I.O.Me 005 Innovation Lab has revolutionized the way these patterns are produced, making it possible to create even more intricate designs at a faster rate. By incorporating traditional symbols and motifs into the Mashrabia designs, I.O.Me 005 has been able to create customizable wall partitions that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also represent the local culture, reflecting the unique cultural heritage of the Swahili people.  CNC milling technology can achieve a high level of precision, resulting in a flawless finished product. This is particularly important in the case of Mashrabia patterns, which often feature complex interlocking shapes and motifs. The Lamu County Government’s use of CNC-milled Mashrabia patterns in their offices is a significant step towards promoting local culture and Swahili artefacts. This initiative is a way of preserving the heritage of the Swahili people and showcasing it to the world. The introduction of CNC milling technology not only improves the commercial supply of these artefacts but also provides employment opportunities for those interested in art through the final polishing and marketing of the products. 

Fabrication of Wooden Certificates

When one receives an award or a gift, it makes them feel that their work is valued and that their employer is fully aware of their individual as well as team efforts and accomplishments That’s what Trufoods were looking to achieve and we stepped in to make it happen through a unique way of presenting certificates of dedication for the team. From a draft certificate design they had prepared, we analyzed it and brainstormed on how to recreate it uniquely and innovatively. A team of Innovators and staff came up with an idea of a digitally fabricated wooden certificate inspired by one of our innovators, Mohamed Arafat’s wall decorative piece. A rapid design and prototyping was done on 3mm plywood to illustrate the idea to the customer using a Laser Engraving Machine. The Final product was to be made using a composition of different types of wood – Mvule and Ebony (Mkulu) as well as some metallic rings. The production process started with cutting the main body certificate from the mvule on CNC Machine, then fitting in the Mkulu & brass rings. As is the norm at the lab, the finishing process of any product is a communal bonding moment for everyone where music, dancing, and jokes are always served in unregulated proportions. A total of 41 Certificates were produced. The Certificated are also supplied with stands that make them easy to be strategically placed on one’s desk.    

Audio-Visual and Social Media Training

A 4-day training on Audio-Visual and Social Media that was held at I.O.Me001 Innovation Hub. The training was facilitated by Switch Media and was organized by the French Solidarity Fund Project Initiative (FSPI).  A total of 33 youths and women from Mombasa and Lamu counties who had an interest in videography, audio-visual, content creation and media participated in the training. Participants learned about script writing, including the structure of an effective script with an intro, body, and conclusion. They were introduced to concept development, writing to the picture, and the importance of considering the target audience’s demographics when determining the language of the script.     The participants also learned about different types of filming equipment and techniques such as shot composition, camera movement, and video editing. The aspect ratios for various online platforms and the importance of shot selection (long shots, medium shots, close-up shots) were also discussed. Finally, the training covered the benefits of having a professional Facebook page and how to effectively utilize it.

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