Doris Ratego: How it all started

How do you describe yourself? ?

My name is Doris Ratego. I would describe myself as an engineer, a scientist, a teacher, and a student of life. I feel incredibly fortunate to be living a life that aligns with my purpose. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to explore multiple facets of the technology and education sectors, allowing me to wear many hats.

Currently, I work as a Technical Product Owner at Safaricom. In this role, I support operations and software delivery within the company, focusing on adopting and integrating emerging technologies such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Development, Security and Operations (DevSecOps), Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) in our products. My primary career interest lies in AI automation and robotics, where I see tremendous potential for innovation and impact.

Beyond my professional career, I am passionate about teaching and mentoring the younger generation of developers. As the co-founder of an EdTech organization called Funlings, I am dedicated to teaching children how to code and adopting innovative technology solutions to digitize classrooms.?

Additionally, I co-founded Koding & Kahawa, a vibrant online community committed to mentoring and equipping the next generation with essential digital skills. In this community, I double up as the community manager and a mentor, guiding aspiring developers and tech enthusiasts.

As for my educational background, I hold a degree in Computer Engineering from Moi University and pursued a master's degree in project management at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology. I also have certifications in DevOps, Cloud Computing, RPA, and AI, which have equipped me with the knowledge and skills to stay at the forefront of technological advancements.

Despite my accomplishments, I consider myself a lifelong learner. The technology world is always evolving, and I believe that staying curious, adaptable, and open to new challenges is essential. Recently, I've developed a newfound interest in mindfulness, wellness, and personal development, which adds another dimension to my journey of continuous learning and growth.

What was your early childhood like??

My early childhood was a vibrant blend of curiosity and exploration.? I was fortunate to be part of a supportive family that cherished learning and creativity. I was constantly encouraged to pursue my interests and ask questions. Our community was lively and offered numerous opportunities for me to explore different passions.

From a young age, I was known for my inquisitiveness. I always asked challenging questions about the world around me, often getting myself into amusing trouble because of my curiosity. Whether it was designing a fashion line for my dolls, sketching, or tinkering with broken radios and computers, I was always working on some project. My imagination was boundless, and I had big dreams.

I vividly remember spending hours daydreaming about the future. I dreamed of becoming an engineer, using my skills to help people and make a significant impact on society. This vision of the future kept me motivated and excited about learning new things.

My childhood was a time of unrestrained creativity and ambition, setting the stage for my journey into the world of technology and education.

What fascinated you as a child??

As a child, I was captivated by how things worked. I had this insatiable curiosity that drove me to dismantle gadgets just to uncover their inner workings; radios, computers, toys—you name it, I wanted to understand every gear, wire, and circuit. I was that geeky kid who couldn’t get enough of documentaries explaining the mechanics of the world around us.

Puzzles and problem-solving games were my playground. I loved the challenge they presented, the thrill of piecing together solutions from seemingly unrelated parts.?

But my interests didn’t stop at technology. I was equally fascinated by the world of art and beauty. I loved expressing my creativity through drawing and coloring. Whether it was sketching imaginative scenes or creating unique designs, art allowed me to explore and express my wild imagination.

This blend of technical curiosity and creative expression shaped my perspective and nurtured my dreams, setting the stage for my future in technology.

What did you enjoy in school??

In school, I gravitated towards subjects that combined logical thinking with creativity. Mathematics and the sciences were my favorite subjects as they challenged me to think critically and solve complex problems.

I was very active in the school's mathematics club, where I not only honed my own skills but also enjoyed breaking down math solutions and demystifying complex concepts for my peers. I loved working with numbers, finding patterns, and uncovering the beauty in logic.

Beyond numbers and equations, I enjoyed the creative aspects of these subjects. Science experiments and math puzzles were like playgrounds for my mind, where I could explore, question, and innovate. This laid a solid foundation for my future career in engineering and technology.

What aspects of your fascination can you see that led you to tech now??

My curiosity and love for problem-solving were the driving forces that steered me towards a career in technology. From a young age, I was always fascinated by how things worked, whether it was dismantling gadgets or diving into complex puzzles. This curiosity naturally evolved into a passion for computers and technology. My early interests in science and technology, combined with the drive to understand and create, set me on a clear path to where I am today.

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Quote

“Finally I was able to see that if I had a contribution I wanted to make, I must do it, despite what others said. That I was OK the way I was. That it was all right to be strong.” ― Wangari Maathai