Who We Are

About Bits

our Story

Technology driven change,
built in Nairobi

NairoBits Trust is a technology-driven nonprofit advancing inclusive digital transformation across Kenya. For over 26 years, we’ve equipped youth in underserved communities with advanced digital and future-ready skills, directly impacting 300,000+ young people and positioning technology at the center of workforce readiness, innovation, and community-led solutions.

Operating primarily in Nairobi’s informal settlements, we offer alternative higher education pathways that unlock tech careers through comprehensive digital skills training and professional labor-market integration.

300K+

Youth impacted since 1999

Mission

Empowered and transformed youth who positively impact their societies.

Vision

Harnessing ICT to place youth at the center of societal engagements and solutions.

What Guides Us

Our Core Values

Benevolent

We place emphasis and great concern for others' welfare — helpful, forgiving, responsible, loyal, true friendship and mature love — to promote cooperative and supportive social relations.

Integrity

We are honest, impartial and trustworthy at all times with our colleagues, students and all stakeholders — delivering services fairly and objectively, free of discrimination or preferential treatment.

Transformative

We commit to undertaking an overarching cultural and purpose-led transformation, both within and beyond NairoBits.

Solidarity

We strive to willingly give ourselves for the good of our community, especially the disadvantaged youth we exist to serve.

Our History

From a bold idea to a
movement.

1999 - 2000

Founding & Early Success

NairoBits Established
1st Digital Exhibition
Museum of Kenya
Won Innovative ICT Solutions for Developing Countries Competition

2005 - 2010

Global Growth and Impact

World Youth Summit Award
Global Expansion
4 Bits Schools (Zanzibar, Musoma, Kampala & Arua)
Launches SRHR Training
World Starts With Me (WSWM)

2016 - 2020

Scaling and Innovation

Won Google Impact Challenge
Won Microsoft Innovation Award
Scaling Impact
500 youth annually
Global Expansion
2 Bits Schools (Somaliland & Nigeria)

2001 - 2004

Curriculum Expansion and Impact

Media Lab Launch
Introduces advanced training in design and web development.
Recognition from UN Habitat’s Safer Cities Program
1st Cohort
6 Graduates complete Media Lab & secure jobs.

2011 - 2015

Continued Growth and Impact

Global Expansion
3 Bits Schools (Ghana, Pakistan & Ethiopia)
Girls-Only Training
Stars Foundation Award
Partnerships
Collaborates with TVETs to enhance their capacity.

2021 - 2025

Institutional Capacity Strengthening

2021
Won a seat in the RHRN2 Implementation Consortium
2021
Won a four-year grant leading to collaboration with Deloitte & Zendesk — Team4Tech
2022
Won the TransForMe Award
2024
Won a four-global exec strategic consulting opportunity towards our Scaling & Financial Stability
And still going strong!

From the Founders

In Their Words

As a co-founder of NairoBits, I wanted to share my abilities in order to give others a chance to make a better life for themselves. To date I am so proud of all that has been achieved — the thousands of lives touched, the opportunities created, and the spirit of giving back I see in the alumni community.

Emer Beamer

Co-founder, NairoBits Trust

When we started, it was never the plan to develop it into a school — it was more of a project. But because of the enthusiasm and creativity, it developed into a permanent school. There's something about NairoBits that works. It survives every storm and changes with the tides. Its success is truly a group effort.

Ineke Aquarius