In Her Own Words: From Biochemistry to Cybersecurity – My Journey from Curiosity to Digital Safety Leadership

My name is Linet Kamotho, a 21-year-old Kenyan and a Biochemistry student at Egerton University. I am the founder of the Space Shift Initiative and the country lead for the Girls in Robotics Kenya Chapter, where I empower young people, especially girls, to embrace technology and innovation.

Before joining the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI), I had very little knowledge of technology and never imagined myself in the tech world. I first learned about AGCCI through my aunt, who encouraged me to explore online courses. Although I did not take it seriously at first, everything changed when I received a call from UN Women, inviting me to attend a two-week coding bootcamp. I was both nervous and excited, unsure of what to expect but eager to learn something new.

Being shortlisted for the program was a life-changing moment. During the bootcamp, I met brilliant, passionate girls whose energy inspired me to step out of my comfort zone. At first, I struggled to keep up with the lessons. I still remember being asked what a “byte” was and realizing I could not recall the answer. When we started coding, I felt lost, but once I asked for help, things began to make sense. That experience taught me one of the most valuable lessons of my life, not to fear failure. Every mistake became a learning opportunity that strengthened my curiosity and confidence.

After completing AGCCI, I joined the Siemens EmpowerHER Program, where I received mentorship through masterclasses and one-on-one sessions with Dr. Leona Wall from Germany and Shaleenah Marie, the Siemens South Africa lead for EmpowerHER and Allies. Their mentorship helped me understand the importance of giving back and supporting others. As a peer mentor in the program, I developed a deeper interest in cybersecurity and how it affects people’s daily lives.

While taking an online cybersecurity course, I attended a virtual event organized by UN Women, where a speaker emphasized the need for safe online spaces. Her words struck me deeply. I realized how many Kenyans fall victim to cybercrime, from fake calls by people pretending to be mobile service agents to scams that compromise personal information. That moment sparked an idea to create awareness and empower others to protect themselves online.

This led to the birth of Space Shift, an initiative I co-founded with Linet Githii. Together, we launched the program alongside other girls from AGCCI to raise awareness about online safety, digital ethics, and opportunities in technology. Through Space Shift, we aim to bridge the digital literacy gap by equipping communities, especially youth, with knowledge and tools to navigate the online world safely. For me, it is more than a project, it is a movement to make the digital space safer and more inclusive.

Our efforts soon gained recognition when I was selected among the top 20 innovators in the African Union GO GAL Program. Later, being named among the top 10 innovators was an emotional and fulfilling moment. Meeting other young African innovators motivated me to expand Space Shift and continue using technology to create positive change.

Looking ahead, I envision Space Shift growing into a regional platform that reaches more young people across Kenya and Africa. I plan to advance my studies in cybersecurity while exploring how to combine technology with my biochemistry background to solve real-world challenges. I am also passionate about mentoring young girls who aspire to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

My journey has not been without challenges. Transitioning from biochemistry to technology required patience and adaptability. There were times when I doubted myself and faced skepticism from others who couldn’t understand my shift in interest. But I have learned to remain confident and stay focused on my goals. Every obstacle has strengthened my determination to keep learning and growing.

To young girls, my message is simple: step out of your comfort zone. Do not limit yourself to what you already know or what others expect of you. Explore, experiment, and embrace new opportunities. When you fail, take it as a lesson, not a setback. Every experience builds resilience and opens new doors. Believe in your abilities and never underestimate the power of your curiosity and courage.

My journey from a biochemistry student to a cybersecurity advocate has taught me that technology is not just about coding, it’s about creating impact. Through Space Shift, I’ have seen how awareness can transform lives and how young people can use digital tools for positive change. I hope my story inspires others to explore new paths and use innovation to make a difference in their communities.

I am deeply grateful to UN Women, the African Union, and the Siemens EmpowerHER Program for their mentorship and support, as well as to my family and the entire Space Shift team for walking this journey with me. When young people are empowered with knowledge and opportunity, they can lead the way toward a safer, more inclusive digital future.