Student Turns Computer Skills into Lucrative Income Earner

Brian Osoro is not your typical college student; he spends most of his time either programming or going through tutorials to sharpen his IT skills. His classmates know him as a kind, calm computer geek who only speaks when necessary.

He enjoys staying indoors and rarely will you find him idling — his laptop always keeps him busy. Mr Osoro’s passion for computing has seen him do side jobs while studying for an Informatics degree at Strathmore University.

At 22, he has mastered computer programming skills which keep attracting new contracts every so often. Last year, for instance, Mr Osoro developed a ticketing management system for Pride Tanzania, a financial organisation that offers loans to SMEs and saccos.

He is also the man behind the Bale Loyalty card which allows frequent users of select clubs and restaurants in Kenya to earn points. Holders of the loyalty card, which uses Near Field Technology (NFC), can redeem the points for a free taxi ride home to places as far as Kinoo, Kiambu and Athi River.

Mr Osoro is in the process of developing an application for a leading local car dealer who plans to launch a fleet of taxis to ply Nairobi routes. The app will enable managers to keep an eye on operations, including movements of their cars. Additionally, it will enable clients to call for a taxi.

“Clients will only need to tap the app to alert the nearest taxi instead of the traditional lengthy process of calling the company office to make a booking,” Mr Osoro told Digital Business.

“It is convenient for clients and also eases management for the taxi company.”

Immense changes

Mr Osoro said he earns about Sh200,000 for less taxing jobs like making an app. However, if the clients’ needs are more demanding and complex, his rates can go up to Sh500,000.

His interest in programming was inspired by the fact that technology can bring about immense changes to society.