Geoffrey ‘Mak’Ouma,’ a remarkable individual with an inspiring journey, hails from Nairobi but spent his formative years in the rural areas of Homa Bay County.
From a very young age, Geoffrey faced the harsh realities of life when he tragically lost both of his parents, setting the stage for a life marked by adversity.
“I was born into a life overshadowed by poverty, and growing up was far from easy. We relied on our parents to fulfil all our needs, which often proved to be a daunting challenge.” He said during a current Interview
Growing up as an orphan, he found himself grappling with the relentless challenges of poverty, struggling to make ends meet in an unforgiving environment.
Despite the absence of support and resources, Geoffrey’s spirit remained unbreakable.
His story takes a turn when he and his siblings were taken in by relatives, although the financial burden prevented them from attending school.
Undeterred by this setback, Geoffrey demonstrated incredible resilience by taking up fishing, earning a modest daily income of Ksh 80 to Ksh 100.
His determination to survive eventually led him back to education, thanks to the intervention of his grandmother from his mother’s side.
With her support, Geoffrey was able to resume his schooling journey, rejoining at class 7, where he had left off.
Geoffrey’s path through the educational system was far from easy, but his tireless efforts and unyielding perseverance paid off.
He not only completed his primary education but also excelled in his secondary school studies.
Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, he pursued a computer programming course at the Technical University of Kenya.
Subsequently, he obtained his degree in Business Information Technology and continued his academic journey by enrolling in a Ph.D. program in Information Systems in 2015.
In 2021, Geoffrey ventured into the world of data analytics, recognizing the immense potential it held.
Fueled by his passion for technology and education, he founded Sevenett LLC, a pioneering technology training company headquartered in Washington State, USA, with regional offices in Nairobi. Sevenett’s mission is to provide career pathways to immigrants in the tech industry through data analytics training.
According to Dr. Ouma, they offer dynamic data analytics training programs tailored to address contemporary digital challenges. Their offerings include intensive 5-month Data Analysis Boot Camps and advanced 3-month Data Science courses.
These programs involve expert-led virtual classroom sessions facilitated through Video Conferencing Technology. Sevenett specializes in enhancing participants’ data literacy and analytical skills through customized training, workshops, and coaching.
Geoffrey emphasized the interactive nature of their virtual classrooms, which enable direct interaction with instructors and peers, fostering collaborative learning.
”We meticulously maintain an ideal pace during the sessions to ensure participants comprehend concepts, especially during hands-on segments. The training is interactive, engaging, and practical, with a keen focus on real-world applications.” He said.
One of Sevenett’s notable initiatives is NaviSmart, a platform designed to assist immigrants by connecting them with essential resources, information, products, and services to navigate their new environments effectively.
This innovative approach not only empowers immigrants but also fosters a sense of belonging and support in unfamiliar territories.
Additionally, Sevenett is contributing to shaping the future by offering coding classes for kids and teenagers.
By imparting essential programming skills to the younger generation, Geoffrey is preparing them for the evolving landscape of the tech industry, ensuring that they are well-equipped for future career opportunities.