Team Wallstreet wins funding, AI tools at Red, White and Build Hackathon

Young Kenyan innovators at the multi-regional, technology-focused event: the Red, White and Build Hackathon, supported by the United States Embassy in Nairobi./HANDOUT

Young Kenyan innovators known as Team Wallstreet have been awarded funding and access to American artificial intelligence tools following the conclusion of the Red, White and Build Hackathon, supported by the United States Embassy in Nairobi.

The multi-regional, technology-focused event was held at American Corners in Nairobi, Nakuru and Eldoret.

In a press statement dated February 19, organisers said the competition brought together 12 finalist teams who developed practical technology solutions using U.S.-based AI and cloud platforms.

Team Wallstreet, made up of Shila Swanapole, Lenny Kidavi, Rachael Ngochi and Najoli Ugaro, won the top prize of $1,000 (Sh129,000) for their innovation dubbed Smart Chamas.

“Unlike typical competitions that reward technical complexity, the Red, White and Build Hackathon demanded that an innovation could actually be implemented, sustained, and scaled in Kenya,” a press statement by the US Embassy read in part.

The solution enables informal savings groups to build credit scores through transaction records while improving efficiency and investment returns.

Speaking after the win, Swanapole acknowledged that the team’s internal differences ultimately strengthened their project.

“We were almost fighting – we had very different ideologies,” Swanapole told the organisers.

“But that’s what actually made us stronger.”

Ngochi, who led research and pitch preparation for the team, said the innovation was inspired by the central role chamas play in Kenya’s economy.

“Our project, Smart Chamas, recognises that informal savings groups are the backbone of Kenya’s economy, contributing nearly 40 per cent of GDP,” Ngochi told the organisers.

“Our innovation is offering credit scores and formal record keeping that allows these chamas to be accountable, efficient and effective in everything that they do, and getting loans.”

In second place was team Eldocare from Eldoret, which won $700 (about Sh90,300), while Trust Guard Unit secured third place and $400 (about Sh51,600).

Another finalist, Peter Chepkwony, showcased Crop Pulse Africa, a platform aimed at helping rural farmers become credit-ready.

Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Carla Benini said the initiative aims to equip young people with critical thinking and innovation skills.

“AI tools are designed for efficiency, but they don't replace the need for critical thinking and innovation,” Benini said.

“There are no limits when you combine Kenyan talent with American innovation.”

The hackathon forms part of the U.S. Embassy's broader effort to strengthen U.S.- Kenya economic and technology partnerships by promoting American innovation, U.S. technology standards, and entrepreneurship through American Spaces across the country.