Conrad Akunga
Conrad Akunga is a distinguished Kenyan software engineer and entrepreneur, whose influence spans over two decades across technology, fintech, and public accountability platforms. After succeeding in the 2010 Nokia Growth Economy Venture Challenge with Virtual City—a win that catapulted him onto the global innovation scene—he co-founded Innova Limited that same year alongside Vincent Ntalami.
At Innova, Conrad serves as Co-Founder and Director of Reseacrh and Product Development (now sometimes called CEO), leading the development of cutting-edge software solutions for banks, investment firms, and capital markets. Under his guidance, the company expanded its footprint beyond Kenya to serve clients across Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania.
Earlier, he co-founded Mzalendo.com in January 2005—an initiative dedicated to parliamentary monitoring in Kenya—underscoring his commitment to civic tech. Adding to his community impact, he served on the Advisory Board of iHub Nairobi from 2010 to 2017, helping shape Kenya’s premier tech innovation hub. He also mentors emerging talent through programs like KamiLimu, preparing industry newcomers for success.
Conrad’s professional excellence has been consistently recognized: he earned the prestigious Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award for an impressive consecutive streak—over 11 years, evidencing his sustained contributions and thought leadership in the tech ecosystem. In 2016, he was also honored among Business Daily’s Top 40 Under 40 in Kenya—a testament to his innovation and leadership as a young tech entrepreneur.
One of his thoughtful insights over his career, came from his critique of Kenya’s Konza Technopolis project.
Famous Quote
I think the premise of the project is wrong. Silicon Valley was a product of an interplay of several factors—people, technology, academia, entrepreneurship, big business and circumstances—and not merely a construction of buildings. A better, cheaper, and faster way to realize something along those lines would be to create an enabling environment now, where people already are.
— Conrad Akunga
