About

For 15 years kiwanja.net helped social innovators, entrepreneurs, engaged citizens and non-profit organisations make better use of information and communication technologies in their work. Founded by Ken Banks in 2003, kiwanja.net specialised in the application of mobile technology, with a particular emphasis on its role as a driver of innovation, entrepreneurship and social change around the world.

Combining over twenty-five years’ experience in the technology and non-profit sectors with a degree in social anthropology with international development, and nineteen years living and working on conservation and development projects throughout Africa, kiwanja.net was based on the values, work and interests of it’s Founder, Ken Banks.

In April 2018 Ken took on a full-time role at Yoti, a UK-based digital identity company, as their Head of Social Purpose.

Ken has been widely recognised by the technology, entrepreneurship and design communities and is the recipient of numerous international awards including:

  • Eugene L. Lawler Award for Humanitarian Contributions within Computer Science (2017)
  • Visiting Fellow at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia (2015)
  • Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (2012)
  • Cambridge News Special Award for Social Entrepreneurship (2012)
  • Curry Stone Design Prize (2011)
  • Ashoka Fellowship (2011)
  • National Geographic Emerging Explorer (2010)
  • Tech Awards Laureate (2009)
  • Pop!Tech Social Innovation Fellow (2008) and Faculty Member

More recognition and awards can be found here, and recent testimonials about our work here. You’ll also find an up-to-date visual summary CV here.

Since its inception thousands of innovators, entrepreneurs, citizens and non-profit organisations in over 190 countries have benefited from kiwanja.net activities. These include:


kiwanja.net also has a strong track record in consultancy, and over the past few years has acted as an advisor/consultant to a number of international projects and organisations including UNEP, Fauna & Flora International, the GSM Association, Nike Foundation, PopTech, Making All Voices Count and The Grameen Technology Centre.

Although we’re now closed, if you’d like to get in touch you’ll find full details on our Contact page, or if you’re on Twitter you can send a tweet to @kiwanja. A photograph and biography are available here.