Welcome to Droidcon, the hub of Android innovation. This annual gathering is a nexus of developers, visionaries, and tech enthusiasts, delving into the latest in Kotlin, Flutter, and cutting-edge mobile technologies.
I'm Ayubu Mohamed, an Android Developer from Mombasa, Kenya. Join me on a journey through Droidcon Kenya 2023 at Daystar University, Nairobi Campus, from November 8th to 10th. Themed "Code, Connections, and Community," the conference is at the forefront of mobile development, shaping the future with passion and innovation. Droidcon, a global series, unites developers, designers, and professionals. These events offer diverse programs, including keynotes, technical sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Droidcon Kenya is a pivotal platform for East African developers. Beyond networking and knowledge sharing, it fosters collaboration. Discussions range from innovative techniques to app announcements, providing a space for learning, teaching and spotlights the local Android development ecosystem, unveiling regional opportunities and services. Attendees engage with active industry players, forging valuable connections.
In summary, Droidcon Kenya is more than a conference; it's a catalyst for Android development in the region, connecting professionals, fostering innovation, and shaping the local mobile landscape.
Day 1: Embarking on My Journey
My journey into Droidcon Kenya 2023 was a transformative experience from the very beginning. Starting in Kikuyu and joining forces with my Droid Pwani co-organizer, the warm welcome and camaraderie orchestrated by fellow organizers set the tone for a day brimming with discoveries. The drive to Daystar University, courtesy of Benson Wamae, a seasoned Senior Fullstack Engineer, provided a glimpse into the close-knit tech community.
Stepping into Daystar University's thoughtfully designed auditorium, filled with developers from Kenya and beyond, erased any lingering doubts about Android. The event's atmosphere and the unwavering support of the community reignited my enthusiasm.
Day one delved into the communal aspects of the tech world with a compelling keynote by Bernard Banta, emphasizing the pivotal role of communities. Engaging with the vibrant community, I shared the impactful story of Droid Pwani, recognizing the collective influence in shaping the tech landscape.
I was able to meet a Muslim sister named Aisha Mohamed, who has memorized the Entire Holy Quran and learned more about her enthusiasm to join the tech space so that she can be a Software Engineer and make a difference to her family and community. She is more passionate to be a Frontend Engineer, and any Women Techmakers who would get an opportunity to read this article and want to mentor her kindly reach out to me, and I will link you with her.
The day concluded with a panel discussion on securing jobs in the evolving tech terrain by James Ndiga, Stephano Amoreilli, Michael Bukachi, and Grace Kinyanjui leaving key takeaways echoing in my mind.
Rachel Murabula's session prompted introspection about my Android track and the alignment of my contributions with my goals. This day became a testament to the positive impact of active participation in tech communities, contributing to open source projects, and the courage to seek assistance.
Day 2: Exploring the Beyond
Day two of Droidcon Kenya 2023 seamlessly continued the positive momentum from the first day, kicking off with an inspiring keynote by Danny Preussler. His insights expanded the horizon beyond Android app development, venturing into realms such as TV interfaces, Wear OS, and the integration of Android technology in automotive systems.
The sessions on this day were nothing short of exceptional, covering a diverse range of challenging topics. From the intricacies of Kotlin Multiplatform to Building Accessibility in Android Apps, Creating Custom Design Systems, Understanding Modularization, and Harnessing the Power of Benchmarking Android Apps in CI/CD pipelines — each presentation added a layer of depth to the exploration of the tech landscape.
Matthias Geisler's talk on Test-Driven Development (TDD) with Kotlin stood out, leaving a lasting impact both professionally and in providing valuable guidance for personal decision-making. The experience of engaging with diverse speakers and discovering the whimsical speakers' lounge added a unique and enjoyable flavor to the day.
As a speaker, navigating the journey proved both challenging and rewarding, highlighted by a humorous moment during the evening break when stumbling upon a room filled with MacBooks.
The key takeaway from this day is that it emphasized the vital importance of continuous interaction within the tech community, the embracing of failure as a part of growth, and the maintenance of a proactive and approachable demeanor.
Day 3: Culminating My Experience
The grand finale of Droidcon Kenya unfolded as a culmination of my transformative experience. Navigating through various sessions and engagements, my objectives remained clear: gather insights for our Android Developer Community, Droid Pwani, refine my speaking skills, and forge meaningful connections.
The day kicked off with an insightful side chat discussion with Maia Grotepass, focusing on effective content delivery in a mixed audience. Throughout the day, I immersed myself in a diverse array of sessions covering Modular Navigation, Kotlin Language Features, crafting Android products with accessibility in mind, The Power of Benchmarking, and the Code and Conquer session featuring senior engineers like Harun Mwangereka, Evans Chepsiror, and Michael Bukachi, where my key takeaway is that we should not shipshit.
Emmanuel Muturi's session on things us developer we have to avoid so that we don't building insecure Android Apps presented a unique perspective, adding a layer of depth to the day's learning experiences. Connecting with industry professionals emphasized the significance of meaningful projects on GitHub, offering a broader perspective on the industry.
The day concluded with a captivating Firesidechat at Droidcon Kenya, featuring insights from experts like Juma Allan, Kendi J, Matthias Geisler, Jackie Moraa, and Michael Ndiritu. As I reflect on my entire Droidcon Kenya experience, a thoughtful side chat with industry professionals provided strategies for maintaining consistency in the ever-evolving tech field.
Conclusion: Gratitude and Growth
The conclusion of Droidcon Kenya 2023 marks a profound impact on my professional journey. The event's vibrant atmosphere, insightful sessions, and engaging discussions left an indelible mark on my understanding of Android development.
Most notably, I forged meaningful connections with fellow developers, industry professionals, and potential mentors, enhancing my network and opening doors to collaborative opportunities. The experience has enlivened my energy and passion for Android development, providing a renewed sense of purpose and motivation. Through thought-provoking discussions and interactions, I gained valuable insights into industry trends, best practices, and personal development strategies.
Overall, Droidcon Kenya 2023 has not only advanced my technical skills but has also enriched my career trajectory by fostering a supportive community and offering guidance that will resonate throughout my professional endeavors.
Audience Reflections: Droidcon Kenya 2023 Unveiled—Share Your Experience or Curiosity!
To our incredible audience, whether you basked in the glow of Droidcon Kenya 2023 or observed from afar, your insights matter.
If you were part of the event, unravel the layers of your experience—what moments resonated the most? For those who missed the chance, what do you speculate about the gems you might have overlooked, and which facets of the event spark your curiosity?
Your reflections weave a tapestry of perspectives that enrich our understanding of the Android development realm. As we eagerly await your thoughts, remember: in the diverse threads of shared experiences, the true fabric of innovation unfolds. Let's continue this journey together!