In Conversation with… Kenneth Ramah, WeRobotics Coordinator & Tech Support

In the latest installment of our conversation series, we get to know Kenneth Ramah, one of the core members of our dedicated team. Sharing more of the heartbeat behind our operations and what makes our team thrive, we delve into Kenn’s role within the organization, his journey to get where he is, and the shape of his day-to-day. 

Q: Please introduce yourself. Who are you, where do you live, and what’s your role at WeRobotics?

I am Kenneth Ramah, though I like to introduce myself as “Kenn from Kenya” because I think it’s easier to remember. I have lived in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, for 11 years. I grew up in the countryside and later moved to Nairobi for tertiary education, where I stayed searching for work, like millions of other Kenyan youth. I have also lived in the UK for nearly two years during my postgraduate studies.

At WeRobotics, I work as a Flying Labs Community Coordinator and Technical Support. My role entails day-to-day coordination of Flying Labs activities, knowledge-sharing and collaboration support within the Network, drone software license management, technical project support, and monitoring and evaluation. 

Q: How did you get started in your field? What are your academic background and critical work experiences? 

I began my career by volunteering in community development projects focusing on environmental conservation, renewable energy, and strengthening economic livelihoods in marginalized Kenyan communities. I later worked with Voluntary Service Overseas, supporting the design and implementation of projects focusing on climate change, Disaster Risk Reduction and disaster management, food security, social inclusion, and youth programming. Initially, I worked with communities in Kenya and Ethiopia, and later, I supported youth climate programs in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia-Pacific until 2021.

I have a Master’s in Crisis and Disaster Management from the University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Planning and Management from Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya. 

Q: How did you get here? Why did you decide to join WeRobotics? What projects have you been working on?

During my studies in the UK, I studied a module in geoinformatics, which introduced me to GIS, remote sensing, and drones. Guest speakers were often invited to talk about the real-life applications of drones and maps in humanitarian settings. My interest and passion for technology in development and humanitarian programming grew tremendously and aligned well with my career goals of integrating emerging technologies in strengthening community resilience. Towards the end of my studies, an alumnus shared an internship opportunity at WeRobotics, and I decided to go for it.

During my internship, I mainly worked with the Community Coordination and the Drone and Data teams to support Flying Labs as needed. This also included technical support and strengthening monitoring and evaluation strategies for drone projects like the Turning Data Into Action project. 

I have transitioned to a community coordination and technical support role, working more closely with Flying Labs to shift power to local. So far, I love it!

Q: What are you most looking forward to this year in your work?

In my new role, I look forward to relating more closely with Flying Labs and learning more about the incredible impact they create with drones, data, and artificial intelligence. Over the last few months, I have met colleagues in Kenya and Tanzania, and I’m now looking forward to meeting other colleagues. This is a big deal because, at WeRobotic, we work entirely remotely, so meeting a colleague in person is quite the experience. I also look forward to attending in-person activities such as drone training, retreats, and conferences to meet other Flying Labs Network members and colleagues. 

Q: What are your go-to tools and processes for doing your job?

The Google Suite is versatile and easy to use, and it makes managing my different tasks seamless—from checking my email and staying updated on upcoming meetings on Google Calendar to performing tasks on Google Sheets and Google Docs and attending team meetings on Google Meet. I often have my Slack open because that’s where most communication from colleagues and Flying Labs comes from. I also use Monday to manage my tasks, but I haven’t let go of the traditional notebook and pen to organize my daily and weekly tasks. 

Q: What do you like to do in your off time? How do you relax and unwind?

I enjoy stepping out of the house for some exercise and adventure while away from my virtual office. I go cycling or working out in the gym a few times every week. I often embark on hiking trips or spend weekends with family and friends. I love the work-life balance and work culture at WeRobotics, which enables me to take care of all aspects of my well-being. 

That’s it from Kenn from Kenya! His dedication and enthusiasm play a vital role in the success of our work, and we can’t wait to witness all he accomplishes. Stay tuned for more conversations as we continue to share the how behind our mission to promote and celebrate the power of local.