The Mugging That Birthed an App

Usalama means stability, safety or wellbeing, and the app provides exactly that. Developed over a two and half year period, the team of three made sure that they built a system through bespoke customization to ensure an industry standard product that provides the quick and seamless experience its users require. The app is activated once ones’ mobile phone is shaken in the hand and the screen immediately opens options for users to connect to ambulance, security and roadside rescue services. Anyone can download the app for free but for the full services they should be linked to a provider Providers include security firms, while St Johns Ambulance and the Gender Based Violence Recovery Centre are on the platform for free.

The app also has a “walk with me” function where a family member or friend can monitor your trips making sure someone is aware of your whereabouts. It also has a timer alert which sends an alert to a friend if one hasn’t checked in at an agreed time.

Edwin, James and Marvin began work on the app in 2014 and launched in 2016 when they graduated. After graduation they made the decision to go fully into entrepreneurship and build their vision for Usalama. Using their coding skills they take on client projects to build a kitty to finance Usalama’s growth and development. Usalama has already generated quite some international interest – the team was invited to take part in the Africa Engineering Prize hosted by the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Pitch at Palace hackathon at St. James Palace in the UK.

The three are now working full time on the mobile application and concertedly building a widespread client base. By design the app is designed as a platform which means that the Usalama team do not see this as only a Kenya project but one that can be used in several locations, as long as the response providers are signed up. Usalama provides a new frontier in emergency services that will likely change the way that Kenyans can connect to rescue services.

Have a smartphone? Download Usalama for free!