Cardano Hub in Kenya

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Herine Omollo

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

6

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

The Cardano Kenya Hub will represent an inclusive community, focused on driving adoption for the Cardano ecosystem. We will host meetups and seminars to showcase the ecosystem to a wider audience.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

This project focuses on the real-world aspect of blockchain adoption. All of our progress will remain open to the community.

[METADATA] SDG rating

Goal 4: Quality Education

My project, especially the educational components like workshops and presentations during the Cardano event, contributes to raising awareness and understanding of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency, fostering quality education.

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

By promoting Cardano adoption and blockchain development in Kenya. My project supports economic growth and can create opportunities for employment in the emerging blockchain industry.

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The focus on showcasing Cardano's strengths and onboarding new users reflects my commitment to innovation and building robust blockchain infrastructure, aligning with Goal 9.

Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities

My efforts to educate and onboard new users in Kenya contribute to reducing inequalities by providing access to knowledge and opportunities in the blockchain space.

Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Milestone 1, which involves securing partnerships and sponsorships, directly aligns with my emphasis on collaboration to achieve sustainable development.

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Problem:

 There is a lack of dedicated networking events and seminars specifically tailored to support the Cardano blockchain ecosystem in Kenya. This gap hinders the realization of the full potential of Cardano's innovative technology and limits the opportunities for collaboration, development, and adoption within the Kenya crypto community.

Solution:

The establishment of a Cardano Hub in Kenya aims to address the above mentioned problem by providing a workspace for the Cardano blockchain ecosystem. The Cardano Hub will serve as a central hub for individuals, businesses, developers, and investors interested in Cardano, fostering a collaborative and thriving environment. The hub will offer the following solutions:

Technical Support and Education: The hub will offer technical support and educational resources to help developers and entrepreneurs understand and utilize the Cardano blockchain effectively.

Investment and Funding Opportunities: The Cardano Hub will connect entrepreneurs and startups with potential investors and funding sources, facilitating the growth of projects built on the Cardano blockchain.

Community Building: The hub will actively promote community engagement by organizing meetups, conferences, and forums centered around Cardano and its applications.

Partnerships and Collaboration: The Cardano Hub will actively seek partnerships with local government entities, academic institutions, and industry leaders in Kenya. By forging strategic alliances, the hub will enable the integration of Cardano into existing industries and sectors, driving innovation and economic growth in the region.

Overall, the establishment of a Cardano Hub in Kenya will provide a comprehensive solution to the lack of resources for the Cardano ecosystem . It will foster a supportive environment, encourage collaboration, and accelerate the adoption and development of Cardano projects in Kenya, positioning the country as a global leader in the blockchain space.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Benefits

The main benefits of this project to the Cardano Catalyst ecosystem include:

Incorporate Information Access

 Stakeholders will have a unified platform to access comprehensive and up-to-date information on funded projects in Kenya.

 Eliminates the need to rely on scattered sources, saving time and providing a consolidated view of project progress.

Strengthen Visibility and Awareness

The hub will increase the visibility of funded projects, attracting new participants to Project Catalyst.

   Creation of awareness within the wider Cardano community about the positive impact of projects in Kenya.

Creative Decision-Making

   Stakeholders can make informed decisions by easily discovering, tracking, and measuring the success and impact of funded projects.

   Identifies trends, success factors, and areas for improvement, contributing to more effective decision-making within the Cardano ecosystem.

Measuring impact

The success of the hub will be measured by tracking the following metrics:

Unique visitor traffic to the hub

We will be able to know the level of interest and engagement within the hub by hosting meetups and education 

This metric will track the level of activity and engagement on project pages, indicating the extent to which the hub is being used to track project progress.

 The quantitative metrics, we will also conduct qualitative assessments to gather feedback from stakeholders and project teams on the usefulness and impact of the hub. This feedback will help us continuously improve the hub's functionality and ensure that it remains relevant and valuable to the Cardano community.

We believe that this comprehensive hub will play a transformative role in the success of Project Catalyst in Kenya, providing a valuable resource for stakeholders, enhancing transparency and accountability, and showcasing the positive impact of Cardano on the African continent. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, the hub will help to create a thriving ecosystem of innovation and impact in Kenya. We will share the outputs and opportunities that result from our project with the Cardano community through the following channels:

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

The team is composed of people with heavy interest in the Cardano community, who have well established communities around them. Together we have experience in leadership, community building, event planning and hosting, as well as technical insight and experience from previous Catalyst rounds.

Our team also possesses a strong capability to deliver projects with high levels of trust and accountability. Here's why

Expertise and Experience: Our team is composed of seasoned instructors and IT experts who possess in-depth knowledge and proficiency in diverse fields including blockchain, computer science and software development. With several years of experience as meet up hosts , holding successful campaigns and successfully hosting workshops as well.

Community Involvement: We actively participate in the Cardano community as moderators. Our involvement demonstrates our commitment to the ecosystem and our understanding of its dynamics and requirements.

Network and Partnerships: We have established partnerships and collaborations with technical experts, and Cardano-related organizations. These connections enhance our capabilities and enable us to tap into a wider pool of knowledge and resources.

Project Management Skills: Our team has strong project management skills, ensuring efficient planning, monitoring, and execution of projects. We are adept at handling budgets, adhering to timelines, mitigating risks, and maintaining effective communication with stakeholders.

Transparency and Accountability: We prioritize transparency and accountability in our project delivery. We are committed to providing regular updates, maintaining open communication channels, and addressing any concerns or issues promptly. 

Therefore, we have confidence in managing the project budget correctly and efficiently

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Securing hub space : We will engage in searching for a very favorable and central place which is easily accessible . 

Furnishing of the hub with all the necessary tools and equipment to host events .

Hosting the Hub's grand opening event: Host a grand opening event to officially launch the Cardano Hub, inviting community members and stakeholders to come together. 

This milestone marks the beginning of a space where members can gather, network, and learn about Cardano and blockchain technology.

Workshops and Seminars: Initiate a series of educational workshops and seminars covering various topics related to blockchain, cryptocurrency, and Cardano's ecosystem. These sessions provide valuable learning opportunities for members to deepen their understanding and skills.

Introduction of projects incubation Program : Introduce a startup incubation program aimed at fostering and supporting innovative business ideas within the Cardano community. This milestone signifies the hub's commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship and driving growth within the ecosystem

Community Growth and Impact Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive assessment to measure the growth and impact of the Kenya Cardano Hub within the community. Evaluate metrics such as membership growth, participation in events, startup success stories, and community feedback to ensure the hub is fulfilling its purpose.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Darlington Wleh

Darlington is a renown Cardano ambassador, an engineer by day and at all times a dancer, humanitarian, idealist and entrepreneur. Darlington has deep knowledge about blockchain technology and broad experience in the Cardano ecosystem.

company: Lido Nation 

Lido Nation has consistently delivered educational content about Cardano every week for over three years. Their highly regarded Catalyst Explorer tool showcases their expertise in identifying and providing solutions to challenges within the community. 

Additionally, the team has successfully completed 10 projects under Project Catalyst.

The Ngong Road Blockchain Lab, which was initially funded by Project Catalyst and is operated by Lido Nation, has effectively provided paid mentorship to more than a dozen new Cardano It has also played a significant role in educating hundreds of Swahili speakers about Cardano and Project Catalyst through their Jifunze update tuzo Swahili learn and earn program.

Having him to be part of this project will help impart more knowledge and Technical skills to the hub. He will help in coordination for the success of the hub establishment.

www.lidonation.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/lido-nation

Dan Baruka

He is a seasoned cardano ambassador, an entrepreneur and blockchain developer, serving as software engineer and technology entrepreneur based in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. As the co-founder of a startup tech company, he leads a team of young professionals

specializing in new information and communication technologies. Their primary goal is to utilize innovative technologies in entrepreneurship to effect positive change in Africa, addressing its challenges.

He will help in the procurement of gadgets and furnishing of the hub and also provide technical skills to the hub.

Link About Ambassador Dan Baruka here: https://about.me/baruka

Jeremiah Baani

Founder of cteil Academy and a seasoned cardano ambassador who has held several cardano meetups both in Ghana and Kenya. He is known for his dedication to education & skillfully organizing community meetups in Ghana.

His recent efforts include successfully launching the Cardano Africa Academy in Nairobi Kenya

He has hosted two successful cardano summits [2022 & 2023]. He also hosted CIP-1694

workshops among others. He is currently the founder of a youtube channel called "cardano

Africa Academy '' where he teaches people across the globe about Blockchain technology from a cardano perspective .

He will oversee for the success of the hub making sure it is operational and serving the purposes stated . His track records are great and once he is in the team we are assured of a successful project execution.

More Info about Ambassador Jeremiah Here: https://twitter.com/Jerrybnj

Herine Omollo

She is a coordinating lead of Cardano Kenya Community. She was a reviewer in F10 and a moderator in F11.She hosted the catalyst working group Nairobi 2024.co-hosted the first meetup for cardano Kenya Community in 2024 as well.

She will be the resident Hub lead when the hub is established and will facilitate the day-to-day activities of the hub. She will coordinate the team by ensuring all plans and partnerships are perfectly executed.

Please note that we will recruit additional temporal team members to work with us during this event.

https://x.com/JoyyLizz?t=jBxRLs35BspYiXRCxUEi1w&s=08

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Feasibility study : 3,500 ADA

Project management: 7,500 ADA

Data collection and analysis: 6,000 ADA

Legal consultation fees: 10,000 ADA

Licensing and registration fees 5,000 ADA

Office space rent (6 months): 20,000 ADA

Internet connectivity: 3000 ADA (6 months)

Computing equipment (computers, servers, etc.): 30,000 ADA

Partnership development and networking events: 5,000 ADA

Marketing materials ( promotional materials, etc.):10,000 ADA

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

Ensuring cost-effectiveness and maximizing value for the Cardano ecosystem is at the forefront of our project proposal. With meticulous consideration of prevailing market prices, our budget breakdown reflects an accurate representation of the resources required. We understand the inherent volatility of ADA prices and have factored in this fluctuation when devising our budget, guaranteeing its adaptability to changes in the price levels of ADA. Therefore , we believe the budget remains resilient and capable of supporting the successful implementation of our project, regardless of any variations in the price levels of the Cardano coin. Beyond financial considerations, our project offers substantial value to the Cardano ecosystem. By harnessing the transformative potential of blockchain technology and the Cardano platform, our project aims to deliver sustainable and long-lasting benefits, creating a positive ripple effect for the Cardano community and its stakeholders. We are confident that the value generated by our project surpasses the allocated budget, representing a compelling proposition for the Cardano ecosystem.