Skunkworks, Swift Global & Building Kenya’s Internet - Michuki Mwangi | Coffee Pump (E095)

Konnichiwa Fam, On E095, I sit down with Michuki Mwangi, one of the key figures behind the growth of Kenya’s internet ecosystem and connectivity industry. From the early dial-up days to KIXP, KeNIC, AFNOG, and internet policy development across Africa, this was a masterclass on how the internet in Kenya was actually built. We talk about: - The early days of computers, dial-up internet, and fax-over-IP - Working at Swift Global during Kenya’s internet infancy - The Y2K bug and the chaos surrounding it - Building and scaling Kenya’s ISP ecosystem - The creation of KIXP and why local internet exchange mattered - DNS, KeNIC, and bringing .ke domains back to Kenya - Internet policy, regulators, and infrastructure development - Community building within Africa’s tech ecosystem - The future of internet connectivity and untapped African markets We also get into burnout, self-learning, tech culture in the 90s, and the importance of mentorship and knowledge sharing in building industries from scratch. And much, much more. Hope you enjoy the episode. Best, Team Coffee Pump Join Our Membership and get access to videos early: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkZKGnWZWb-S9wJdz9IGDTw/join Our Sponsors: ANDO - Download the Ando app: https://linktr.ee/ando_foods - Get 10% off your order using the code COFFEEPUMP10 Camera's Africa - Website: https://www.camerasafrica.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camerasafrica_/ Find Michuki Mwangi: - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michuki.mwangi - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michuki-mwangi-466a583/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michuki_mwangi/ - ISOC Pulse: https://pulse.internetsociety.org/en/ Find our host Sajid Vayani: - Linktree: https://linktr.ee/sajvayani Coffee Pump Spotify, Apple and Socials: - Linktree: https://linktr.ee/sajvayani Coffee Pump Audio: - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ke/podcast/coffee-pump/id1755013994 - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0X1unCgwcsMSoG7YfgAu73?si=FBy53R8rSCm-xXGJMKQtaQ CoffeePump Socials: - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coffeepumppodcast? utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578456950684 Disclaimer: The Coffee Pump Podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast or its affiliates. Nothing discussed should be considered professional advice, including legal, financial, medical, or business advice. Any opinions shared about individuals, businesses, or products are based on personal experiences and perspectives. Listeners are encouraged to do their own research and seek professional guidance where necessary. By listening, you acknowledge that The Coffee Pump Podcast is not responsible for any decisions or actions taken based on the content discussed. 0:00 - Intro 1:19 - Subscribe To The Channel 1:45 - Cameras Africa (New Coffee Pump Podcast Sponsors ) 2:27 - How Saj & Michuki Met 3:17 - The Power & Value Of Building Community 4:39 - Michuki's Upbringing & Education 10:12 - How Michuki Discovered Computers & Learning Tech Skills 15:36 - Michuki's First Job In Tech - (Swiftglobal) 26:30 - Y2K Bug & Its Intricancies 31:03 - Richard Bell's Input In Fax Services & The ISP Business Back In The Day 35:20 - Michuki's Exposure To AFNOG & Getting Trained 39:12 - Internet Exchange & Kenya Internet Exchange Point (KIXP) 42:15 - Michuki Taking a sabbatical From Swiftglobal 45:36 - Unpacking DNS , Kenya Network Information Center (KeNIC) 54:07 - Michuki's Sabatical Ends & His Debut At KeNIC 57:09 - KeNIC's Turning Point, Exchange Points Obstacles & Policy Making 1:04:49 - Michuki Exiting KeNIC & Joining Internet Society Of Kenya (ISOC) 1:10:24 - Michuki's Working Experience At ISOC & His Contribution In The Tech Industry 1:13:08 - AfPIF Genesis & Its Global Events 1:14:44 - Saj's AfPIF Experience Over The Years 1:16:35 - DRC Popping Up As Critical Internet Exchange & Connectivity Market 1:18:16 - Innovations In The Internet Exchange & Connectivity Economy 1:21:01 - Cost Of Internet Connectivity Over The Years 1:23:15 - Value Of Multi-stake holder Engagement InThe Internet Connectivity Market 1:26:07 - Potential Untapped Markets In The Internet Exchange & Connectivity 1:29:45 - Michuki's 5 Years Plan 1:30:58 - Coffee Pump Podcast's Proposal To Putting AfPIF In The Spotlight 1:34:19 - Michuki's Parting Shots 1:36:19 - Outro