Business Daily (Nairobi)
Kui Kinyanjui
15 January 2008
column
As most of the world watched helplessly as the death toll rose and increasing numbers of disheartening reports of destruction rolled in over the last two weeks, another positive example of Kenyan inventiveness was born.
Out of the tragedy rose the technology community's answer to disaster response -long a thorn in the country's flesh- with the creation of a citizen reporting tool that allowed Kenyans around the world to collaborate to channel aid to affected areas.
Ushahidi.com, was launched in record time-two days-to try and bridge the gap between relief efforts and distress calls from around the country, as well as provide a more accurate picture of what was going on.
The website cobbles together various technologies ranging from Google Maps to SMS uploads and MamaMike donations to do its part in helping the country identify crisis areas, and heal.
Ushahidi, meaning witness in Kiswahili, describes itself as a tool for people who witness acts of violence in Kenya to report incidents that they have seen. The incidents are then placed on a map-based view for others to see. Most incidents listed on the website are verified by local groups working on the ground.
What is shocking about some reported incidents is the frequency with which new, unreported episodes are being uploaded to the website-indicating that official reports from aid agencies and the Government may have grossly underplayed the extent of damage around the country.
The beauty of the application is its ability to allow people from around the country and the world to respond to crisis and direct emergency aid to relevant spots.
The Ushahidi initiative is one that has a long life after the hopeful resumption of more peaceful times in our land.
If developed further, the website hopes to incorporate data from the millions of Kenyans who own a mobile phone with SMS capability to allow other atrocities such as rapes, break-ins and other crimes.
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