Welcome to our new talk show series, Open Chats by The Open Institute! This new show brings together leaders and experts in development and governance to discuss the future of Africa and the megatrends that are shaping the world today. Our mission is to provide a platform for insightful conversations and exchanging ideas that will lead to innovative solutions and a better future for Africa. Modern megatrends shaping the world include digital transformation, climate change, and urbanisation. As prominent African leaders have pointed out, these megatrends have significant implications for Africa and its future.At Open Chats by The Open Institute, we will bring together leaders and experts to discuss these megatrends and their impact on Africa. We aim to provide a platform for insightful conversations and exchanging ideas that will lead to innovative solutions and a better future for Africa. We invite you to join us on this journey as we explore the future of Africa and the world.In our Season Zero, we start off with our new board members - including Nivi Sharma, who has dedicated her life to providing access to children, women and rural populations, first using the internet and now by building literal bridges! We shall feature computer scientist per excellence, Dr Shikoh Gitau, who has worked hard to change how major decisions are made using hardcore data science and Brian Longwe, who has built internet networks in multiple African countries for the past 30 years. -----------------------The Open Institute is a non-profit organisation based in Nairobi, Kenya that collaborates with Governments, Civil Society Organisations, Citizen Groups and Private Sector companies to find innovative ways to achieve Sustainable Development. https://openinstitute.africa/our-story/
Open Chats | Why Millions of Children Still Miss Quality Early Learning in Africa
In this episode of Open Chats, we dive into the story behind Grow ECD and how it’s helping transform early learning across South Africa. From the challenges to the wins, this conversation unpacks the impact, the vision, and what it takes to scale quality early childhood development. New OpenChats episodes are released weekly. Subscribe and follow us on YouTube to watch the conversations!
2 Apr 2026
Open Institute | The Speak Up Session
New OpenChats episodes are released weekly. Subscribe and follow us on YouTube to watch the conversations!
3 Feb 2026
Open Chats | #TheBrownEnvelope | Are Journalists Living By Faith?
What REALLY is the #BrownEnvelope? Dive deep as Director Al Kags & Winnie Kamau unpack the controversial world of #BrownEnvelope journalism, corruption in media, and so much more. Is it bribery or survival? Get the unfiltered truth! ✅ What are you waiting for? Hit PLAY now and ignite your passion for ethical journalism! Join the journey! Follow @OpenInstituteAfrica for more insights. 🌍 Explore our mission: https://openinstitute.africa/ ✅ Connect everywhere: @OpenInstituteAfrica #Bro...
21 Jul 2023
Episode 3 | Season Finale! Embracing Grit: A Decade of Hard Work
Welcome to the gripping finale of the Open Chat Series! In this awe-inspiring episode, our visionary Co-Founders take you on an unforgettable journey through the last ten years since the birth of The Open Institute Organisation. Prepare to be moved as they delve into the raw reality of their relentless pursuit of a shared mission, shaping their brainchild with unwavering determination and unparalleled dedication. Join Al Kags and Jay Bhalla as they share their profound wisdom with earnest au...
7 Jul 2023
Episode 2 | The Story Unfolds: Exploring the Highs & Lows That Have Shaped OI
Welcome to "Open Chats" Season 1, Episode 2, where the captivating story continues to unfold as our founders Jay Bhalla and Al Kags delve into the incredible highs and challenging lows that have left an indelible mark on the Open Institute (OI). Get to know the secrets behind its remarkable success as we explore the thrilling breakthroughs and daunting obstacles that have shaped the legacy of OI. New OpenChats episodes are released weekly. Subscribe and follow us on YouTube to watch t...
26 Jun 2023
Episode 1 | Unveiling the birth of Open Institute
In this captivating video, prepare to be taken on a mesmerizing journey as we delve deep into the origins of this incredible organization. Join the charismatic duo of Al Kags and Jay Bhalla, the brilliant founders of Open Institute, as they unravel the captivating tale of how it all began. From a simple spark of an idea to meticulous planning, ingenious strategies, and flawless execution, witness the evolution of Open Institute into the powerhouse it is today. But hold on tight, because this...
19 Jun 2023
Season 2 Trailer | Celebrating a Decade of Growth!
Welcome to our new Open Chats Season! We are excited to launch Season 1 as we commemorate a momentous milestone - our 10th anniversary in advocating for responsive governments and active citizens in Kenya and beyond. Over the past decade, Open Institute has been at the forefront of driving positive change, harnessing the power of data to empower individuals and communities. Through innovative initiatives and collaborations, we have transformed the landscape of governance in Kenya, promoting ...
15 Mar 2023
Episode 5 with Davis Adieno | The value of the citizen voice in governance
Join us for the final episode of the season as our new board chairman, Davis Adieno, shares his journey of working with the government years ago to audit CDF (Constituency Development Fund) projects and how citizen empowerment played a powerful role in his work. In this thought-provoking conversation, Davis Adieno reflects on the power of citizen empowerment through social audits and the role of technology in making it all possible. Discover how citizen voices can influence change and ...
10 Mar 2023
Episode 4 with Geci Karuri-Sebina | Mentorship and Innovation to solve OUR problems
"I happily make time for young people because I remember being young with full of hopes and dreams and not always having the audience support or people to believe in me. That is a stage where people have energy and faith that they can do something greater." In this episode, Prof. Geci Karuri-Sebina talks about her passions for innovation and civic tech and how we use these to solve the problems we have in our context. She also discusses the opportunities and challenges of mentoring you...
3 Mar 2023
Episode 3 with Brian Longwe | It's about time Africans Began to Build Their Own Africa
We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Brian Longwe, the CEO and co-founder of Converged Technologies Malawi, about his mission to connect people through technology and promote active citizenship in Africa. In our latest Open Chat, he shares his inspiring vision for a more connected and empowered continent, and emphasizes the importance of individuals taking responsibility for shaping their own futures. Listen, engage and learn how you can contribute to building a brighter tomor...
24 Feb 2023
Episode 2 with Nivi Sharma | Rural Isolation is the Root Cause of Poverty
"There are people who can't get to a market, to a school, or to a health care facility - all these things that we take for granted are the real cause of poverty in rural areas." We had a wonderful conversation with Nivi Sharma, CEO of Bridges to Prosperity and a member of our Board of Directors, about her transition from tech to infrastructure, and how her passion for access for rural communities meets our work to make the invisibles visible. Listen and share! New OpenChats episode...
17 Feb 2023
Episode 1 with Dr. Shikoh Gitau | There are 700,000 Unmet Data Science Opportunities in Kenya
Dr. Shikoh Gitau is a Computer Scientist, and the CEO at Qhala Ltd, a Digital Innovation company that catalyzes digital transformation capabilities for organizations across Africa. We chatted with her about innovation, technology and the untapped potential in Africa for data scientists. Her passion for grassroots impact at scale inspires her to keep supporting our work at the Open Institute. Shikoh has served on our Board of Advisors for the past 10 years, and has now joined our Board ...
16 Feb 2023
Season 1 Trailer | Welcome to The Open Chats With The Open Institute!
We are excited to announce the launch of our new talk show series, Open Chats by The Open Institute! This new show brings together leaders and experts in development and governance to discuss the future of Africa and the megatrends that are shaping the world today. Our mission is to provide a platform for insightful conversations and exchanging ideas that will lead to innovative solutions and a better future for Africa. At Open Chats by The Open Institute, we will bring together leaders...
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