Meet the Founder
The vision behind KijijiCoder
Hellen Mati
Hellen Mati is a versatile Data Analyst and Data Engineer with a strong background in designing and optimizing cloud-based data solutions. Her expertise spans ETL pipelines, real-time analytics, and data visualization, leveraging tools like Microsoft Azure, Power BI, and Python to transform raw data into actionable insights.
With a proven track record in driving business decisions through analytics and innovation, Hellen is passionate about solving complex challenges, automating workflows, and mentoring aspiring data professionals.
Drawing on her technical expertise and deep understanding of data systems, Hellen conceived KijijiCoder as a solution that leverages familiar USSD technology to bring comprehensive tech education to rural communities that traditional online learning platforms couldn't reach.
Data Engineering
Analytics
Innovation
"Our mission is to ensure that every young person in rural Kenya, regardless of their access to smartphones or internet, has the opportunity to learn about technology, understand the digital world, and build skills for the future. Technology shouldn't be a privilege—it should be accessible to all."
— Hellen Mati, Founder of KijijiCoder
The Motivation
The idea for KijijiCoder came from witnessing the digital divide firsthand. As a data professional working with technology solutions, Hellen saw brilliant young people in rural areas with incredible potential but no way to access tech education. Traditional solutions required internet, smartphones, or expensive training—all out of reach for most rural communities.
The breakthrough came from observing how USSD technology was already being used successfully for mobile money and other services across Kenya. If people could bank via USSD, why couldn't they learn via USSD? This insight became the foundation for KijijiCoder.
Today, Hellen leads KijijiCoder with a clear vision: to make rural Kenya tech-aware, not just through coding, but through comprehensive digital literacy that empowers communities to participate fully in the digital economy. Her background in data engineering and analytics enables her to design systems that are both technically robust and accessible to everyone.
Join Our Mission
Connect with us to learn more, partner, or get involved in transforming rural tech education.