Tucked away from the noise of Kenya’s buzzing tech hubs, a quiet revolution is unfolding; not in fancy offices or high-rise buildings but in humble classrooms, neighbourhood cyber cafes, and in the hearts of young dreamers who believe that code could be the key to unlocking a different future.
Leading this change is Talmon Mwakesi; a man whose path from business student to tech trailblazer is as unexpected as it is inspiring.
Founding Yada
As the founder of Yada Innovations and Yada School of Tech, Mwakesi is on a mission to fuse technology with deeper meaning. For him, success isn’t just measured in apps or algorithms; it’s about impact, intention, and helping others rise through digital empowerment.
His path into tech wasn’t mapped out. In fact, it started as a form of escape. “I went into tech because I was running away from a BCom degree my mum wanted me to take at Kenyatta University’s Mombasa campus,” he says.
But what began as a detour soon became a calling. After university, Mwakesi discovered that software wasn’t just about systems; it is a blank canvas for innovation. “With software engineering, you’re allowed to dream. You can bring any idea to life, that’s where real change begins,” he narrates.
Today, that dream is called Yada Innovations, a software company that helps businesses build practical, affordable digital solutions from scratch. “We meet our clients where they are,” Mwakesi explains. “We build what they can afford now, then grow with them over time.”
This people-first model has become Yada’s quiet advantage; a rare approach in an industry that often chases rapid scale over real impact.
Yada Achievements
The company has already built platforms that go beyond functionality; they speak to purpose. One of them is Sunrise Virtual School, an entirely online learning platform that supports IGCSE education. It removes the barriers of geography and gives students the chance to learn and be assessed from anywhere. “It’s a full virtual school from teaching to evaluation. The technology does all the heavy lifting,” Mwakesi divulged.
Another standout project is Diana Beth Fitness, a faith-based wellness platform that offers virtual workouts and a digital support community. “It’s about more than exercise; it’s about caring for your body and spirit,” he explains. “People connect through shared values and a common goal of staying healthy, even if they’re miles apart.”
These projects reflect the heartbeat of Yada Innovations: to build solutions that are both meaningful and accessible, and to use technology to solve real challenges in education, health, and everyday life.
Yada School of Tech
But Mwakesi's work doesn’t end with building software for others, he’s just as focused on building up the next generation of creators. That vision gave birth to Yada School of Tech, a coding academy designed not only to teach but to transform. In Kenya, where the average age is just 20, Talmon saw a chance to equip young people with practical tech skills and a strong moral foundation. “If we don’t train them right with both skills and values, we’ll waste a whole generation of potential,” he opines.
Yada School teaches programming languages like Python, C, and JavaScript, with a strong emphasis on AI. But beyond the code, students learn the principles of discipline, integrity, and accountability. “We’re not just producing developers, we’re shaping people who can be trusted in business, in life, and in leadership.”
Yada School of Tech Testimonial
Perhaps the best proof of the school’s impact is Javan Mugeni, a student from the first cohort who joined without even owning a laptop. He completed assignments at a cyber café, attended class on his phone, and pushed through a course based on Harvard’s demanding CS curriculum.
Months later, someone from his church gifted him a MacBook, and he soon became the top student. Today, he’s a full-time developer at Yada Innovations. “He started with nothing. Now he’s solving real problems and working with clients. I’d trust him with any project.”
What Next?
As the tech world evolves, Yada isn’t standing still. The team is preparing to launch AI-powered tools in education and health, responding to how people learn, live, and seek help in real-time. “AI is already here. But it’s not replacing developers, it’s helping them do more. We want to be ready for that future.”
Mwakesi’s long-term vision is to see his students not only get jobs but create them. “We’re training founders, not just employees. I want to see Yada graduates building their own companies, employing others, and growing the local economy from the ground up.”
Yada is a dream rooted in experience and in faith. Mwakesi walked away from a steady job to build something bigger than himself. Through the support of his wife Kui Mwakesi, his pastors Rev. Benjamin and Ndanu Kasankya, and his family, he stayed the course even when it wasn’t easy. “Seeing everything take shape, that’s my greatest reward,” he says.
To young people still unsure about where to begin, Talmon offers a simple message: “Start from where you are. Be committed. Be disciplined. And be accountable. Without commitment, you’ll never start. Without discipline, you’ll never finish.”
How to join and work with Yada
Applications for Yada School of Tech are open in May and June. Visit http://yadaschooloftech.co.ke to apply. If you need a custom digital solution, you can work with Yada Innovations by visiting http://yadainnovations.co.ke, emailing [email protected], or calling +254 727 136 485.
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