Interviewer (Founder Magazine): Dr. Shikoh, thank you for joining us. To start, could you tell us about your background and how you became an entrepreneur?
Dr. Shikoh Gitau: Thank you for having me. I am a computer scientist and researcher with a passion for using technology to solve Africa’s biggest challenges. Over the years, I have worked with organizations like Google, Safaricom, and the African Development Bank, focusing on digital innovation and development. I started Qhala as a way to translate my research and experience into real-world digital transformation solutions for African businesses.
About the Startup
Q1. What is Qhala and what problem does it solve?
A: Qhala is a digital transformation firm based in Nairobi. We help organizations—from startups to governments—leverage digital technologies to drive efficiency, scalability, and innovation. Many African companies know they need to “go digital” but don’t know how. We bridge that gap by providing strategies, tools, and training to make digital transformation achievable and sustainable.
Q2. How does Qhala help organizations in practice?
A: We provide end-to-end digital transformation services, including strategy development, product design, and implementation. For example, we help businesses digitize their operations, create new digital products, and even train their teams to adapt to new tools. Our goal is to ensure that organizations don’t just adopt technology but truly integrate it into their DNA.
Q3. What inspired you to start Qhala?
A: After years of research and corporate work, I saw a big gap between academic innovation and what businesses on the ground were actually doing. I wanted to create a platform that brings research, industry experience, and practical solutions together—helping African organizations harness the power of technology in ways that make sense for their local context.
Journey as a Founder
Q4. What challenges have you faced while building Qhala?
A: Convincing organizations to invest in digital transformation is sometimes a challenge, especially when they see it as an “extra cost” instead of a long-term investment. Funding and scaling are also challenges, as we are not just a tech company but a knowledge-driven firm. We’ve had to build strong trust with our clients, which takes time.
Q5. What milestones are you most proud of so far?
A: Qhala has worked with leading organizations across Africa, helping them modernize their operations and innovate faster. We’ve also developed capacity-building programs that have trained hundreds of people in digital skills. Being recognized as a leading digital transformation firm in Kenya is a proud achievement, but what excites me most is seeing the tangible impact on businesses and communities.
Q6. Where do you see Qhala in the next five years?
A: We want to be the go-to digital transformation partner across Africa. Our vision is to empower thousands of organizations—SMEs, corporates, and governments—with the digital strategies and tools they need to thrive in a fast-changing world. Ultimately, we want to help Africa leapfrog into a digitally inclusive future.
Advice & Insights
Q7. What advice would you give to young African founders?
A: Focus on solving real problems, not just building “cool tech.” Spend time with your users, understand their challenges, and design solutions that fit their reality. Also, build networks—it takes an ecosystem to succeed.
Q8. What keeps you motivated despite the challenges?
A: The impact. Every time a business tells us that our strategies helped them survive, grow, or innovate, I know we’re on the right track. And I believe deeply in Africa’s potential—if we embrace technology thoughtfully, there’s no limit to what we can achieve