A community that shows up.
Kenya Java User Group (Kenya JUG) is a community-driven organisation that brings together Java developers, enthusiasts, students and industry professionals across Kenya. We help developers at every level learn, connect and contribute to the global Java community through meetups, workshops, conferences and university chapters.
How we got here
- 2024Founded
Kenya JUG is founded
A home for Java developers across Kenya to learn, connect and share.
- 202521 June 2025
Java Connect KE 2025
Our first conference: Spring, Spring AI and buildpacks with Dashaun Carter of Spring Loaded Bootcamp.
- 20269 May 2026
Java Connect KE 2026
About 200 attendees, with Venkat Subramaniam, Ivar Grimstad, Ian Dancan, Newton Wamiti and Elvis Parsaloi.
- NowUniversity chapters
Piloting our first university chapter at Meru University
With the Meru University Innovation Club.
- NowCommunity milestone
900+ members in the WhatsApp community
To grow Kenya’s Java ecosystem through knowledge sharing, technical events, mentorship and industry collaboration.
Every Java developer and student in Kenya has a community to learn from, and a voice in the global Java ecosystem.
Our values
- 01
Open to everyone
Students, beginners and senior engineers are equally welcome, and membership is free.
- 02
Learn by sharing
Everyone has something to teach. We give first-time speakers a stage and help them prepare.
- 03
Hands on
We learn by building: workshops, live demos and code you can run yourself.
- 04
Local roots, global reach
We bring global Java voices to Kenya, and help Kenyan developers contribute to the wider Java community.
Leadership and contributors
Cosmas Gikunju
Software EngineerSoftware engineer and community builder at Kenya JUG, helping run meetups, university chapters and Java Connect KE.
Lenny Dennis Macharia
Software EngineerJava enthusiast who loves sharing knowledge through practical examples and hands-on sessions, and building a community where developers learn from each other.
Rose Wambui
Software EngineerSoftware engineer and community builder at Kenya JUG, helping run meetups, university chapters and Java Connect KE.
Phenny Mwaisaka
Software EngineerSoftware engineer and community builder at Kenya JUG, helping run meetups, university chapters and Java Connect KE.
Stephen Omondi
Software Engineer, SunCulture KenyaPassionate about technology, writing and tech communities. Enjoys connecting people, sharing knowledge and helping communities grow.
Dalton Leyian
Full-stack and Platform EngineerBuilds health insurance platforms with Java, Spring Boot, Node and React. Led platform delivery at Zimasa Health.
Newton Wamiti
Software EngineerSoftware engineer and community builder at Kenya JUG. Co-ran the Spring AI workshop at Java Connect KE 2026.
Kennedy Mbogo
Software EngineerSoftware engineer and community builder at Kenya JUG, helping run meetups, university chapters and Java Connect KE.
Silas Abel
Software EngineerSoftware engineer and community builder at Kenya JUG, helping run meetups, university chapters and Java Connect KE.
Pauline Mwova
Software EngineerSoftware engineer and community builder at Kenya JUG, helping run meetups, university chapters and Java Connect KE.
Charlie Pele
Software EngineerSoftware engineer and community builder at Kenya JUG, helping run meetups, university chapters and Java Connect KE.
Ian Dancan
Software EngineerA Java lover, community builder and educator.