Global Tech Sailors: Building a Community for Young Women in Tech

Across Nairobi and Mombasa, young creatives are gaining new skills to grow their craft through the Runway Podcast Academy by Semabox Studios, a skilling partner of the Sanara program. Among the 30 shows launched by the first cohort, one has stood out for its fresh perspective and powerful ripple effect: Global Tech Sailors.

What began as four friends, Faith Kilonzi, Diana Mongina, Maryann Mwikali, and Rhonajoy Koome, coming together to talk about technology has since grown into a vibrant digital community for young women in tech. Through their podcast, the Global Tech Sailors are creating a space where mentorship, representation, and knowledge sharing thrive.

Before joining the Runway Podcast Academy, the four women had no formal podcasting experience. With training in production, editing, branding, and marketing from Semabox, they launched an eight-episode debut season that quickly gained traction. In just a few months, the podcast reached monetization status on YouTube, growing from an average of 300 to 500 views to more than 26,000 views. Today, the Sailors are recognised YouTube partners, earning income from their craft.

But beyond the numbers, the impact lies in the community they have built. For many young women entering the tech industry in Kenya, Global Tech Sailors has become a source of encouragement, practical insights, and representation in a space that has often felt inaccessible. As co-founder Faith Kilonzi explains:

“Podcasting is my creative outlet and a way to blend curiosity, mentorship, and community with fun conversations among friends and industry experts. Partnering with Semabox has allowed us to focus on content and connection.”

The Sailors break down complex topics such as cybersecurity and data science in ways that spark curiosity and inspire participation. Their conversations show that the tech industry is not just about coding, but about creativity, collaboration, and inclusion.

The Sanara program is proud to support this kind of transformation. By equipping young women with tools to amplify their voices and create communities of belonging, initiatives like the Global Tech Sailors podcast are reshaping how young people, especially women, see themselves in the industry.

You can watch the Global Tech Sailors podcast here

You can learn more about the Runway Podcast Academy by Semabox here.