This year’s WordCamp Nairobi was nothing short of extraordinary. Held at Daystar University’s Valley Road campus on the 1st and 2nd of November, the event truly lived up to its theme: Beyond the Savannah. It wasn’t just a local gathering, but a global affair, with attendees and speakers flying in from Nepal, the Netherlands, Germany, Uganda, Cameroon, and Nigeria, among others. The diversity of perspectives and expertise on display was a testament to the far-reaching impact of WordPress as a global platform and community.
As one of the event’s organizers, this year was particularly special for me. It was my first time stepping into the role, and I was both excited and nervous to work alongside a fantastic team of fellow organizers and volunteers. Many of us were meeting in person for the first time after months of planning and coordinating virtually, and it was such a rewarding experience to see everything come together so smoothly. From the early morning setups to the final closing remarks, it was teamwork at its finest.
Nourishing the Body and Mind
A special shoutout has to go to the food — because let’s face it, food makes any event that much better! Breakfast and lunch were simply delightful. Rather than typical junk food, we had a range of nutritious options, perfect for fueling our minds and bodies during the busy sessions. Fresh fruits, hearty arrow roots, sweet potatoes, eggs, and more kept everyone energized. It felt like we were being cared for on all levels, allowing us to focus on the intense learning, sharing, and networking that filled each day. The dessert will make you feel sad you missed it if you did not manage to join us!
A Glimpse of Nairobi
The backdrop of Nairobi added a touch of magic to the whole experience. The weather was just perfect — warm, with a gentle breeze that kept everyone comfortable as they moved between sessions. The views around Daystar’s Valley Road campus offered a beautiful reminder of Nairobi’s unique blend of urban and natural environments. You could feel the excitement in the air, as if the city itself was cheering us on.
The Panel on Mentorship
One of the highlights of WordCamp for me personally was moderating a panel on mentorship. We explored the important role that seasoned professionals play in passing the torch to the next generation. The discussion was lively, with great contributions from both the panelists and the audience. We talked about the power of mentorship not just in building technical skills but in fostering leadership, community involvement, and personal growth. It was fulfilling to see how engaged everyone was, and how passionate the attendees were about nurturing future leaders in WordPress and tech at large.
A Learning Experience as an Organizer
As an organizer, I learned so much more than I expected. Managing everything from logistics to speaker coordination was challenging at times, but incredibly rewarding. The collaboration and sense of shared responsibility among the organizers made it easier to tackle any hurdles. I also learned the importance of flexibility — things don’t always go according to plan, but with a great team, we could pivot quickly and find solutions.
Networking was another major takeaway. Being in the organizing team gave me an opportunity to connect with so many talented professionals, not just from Kenya but from all over the world. The conversations we had during breaks, Q&A sessions, and even casual chats after the event will undoubtedly lead to new partnerships and collaborations.
The Attendees: Engaged and Enthusiastic
The attendees themselves were phenomenal. Every session was filled with lively discussions, and the Q&A segments were some of the best I’ve ever seen. People were not just passive listeners; they were active participants, eager to learn, share their insights, and ask tough, thought-provoking questions. It was inspiring to see such a high level of engagement from everyone in the room, whether they were seasoned developers, designers, or first-time WordCamp participants.
Beyond the Savannah: Achieving Our Theme
Finally, our Beyond the Savannah theme was truly embodied in every aspect of the event. We managed to break barriers and bring together people from different parts of the world to share, learn, and grow. The fact that we had speakers and attendees from as far as Nepal, the Netherlands, Germany, Cameroon, and Nigeria enriched our discussions and provided new perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the global WordPress community.
Your Mental Health Matters!
A highlight of WordCamp Nairobi 2024 was the contribution of Sakina Taki, a mental health champion, who led a powerful session on the importance of mental well-being in fast-paced work environments. She shared practical strategies for managing stress, balancing screen time, and fostering a healthy mindset to help us thrive both personally and professionally. Her session was a timely reminder that taking care of our mental health is as vital as building our technical skills, adding a valuable and refreshing perspective to the event.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
In the end, WordCamp Nairobi 2024 was a resounding success, and I am grateful to have been part of it as both an organizer and participant. From the engaging sessions to the amazing food, the warm Nairobi weather, and the connections made, it’s an experience I will cherish for years to come.
As we look forward to future WordCamps, I’m more excited than ever about the possibilities for growth and collaboration in our global WordPress community. WordCamp Nairobi 2024 reminded me that, truly, the best is yet to come.
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