James Mwai is a mobile and web apps developer based in Nairobi. His most successful app is called AroundMe. It works on Nokia devices and has been downloaded over 800,000 times.
James Mwai
The app allows users to easily and quickly find important businesses and services in their surrounding or any other location using their Nokia phones. AroundMe recently won 75,000 Euros in Nokia’s create4millions global competition.
We had a few questions for him and this is what he had to say:
1. What was your first phone?
Motorola. I can’t remember the model but it I remember it had an extendable antenna.
2. What do you prefer? Facebook or Twitter? Why?
Twitter. It’s easier to stay updated with my areas of interest than Facebook. Plus it’s more fun.
3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years:
Running my own software firm. I want to have changed the lives of many people for the better.
4. Any question for us? We’ll publish our answer as well
Yes. How much am I getting paid for this?
One Million Dollars*
(*Zimbabwe Dollars)
5. What would you do if you were president for a day?
Fire the entire cabinet and appoint my friends. Throw a party state house has never seen.
6. Whats your favourite book& movie?
I am not widely read as I mostly just read programming books but I love science fiction and fantasy. My favorite book is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and my favourite Film is The Lord of the Rings.
7. Who/What inspired you to do what you do now?
Wangari Maathai: I worked with her for some time and she taught me the power of resilience and never giving up on what you are aiming for in life.
8. If you were to change jobs, what profession would you get into? Why?
A magician. I have seen lots of magic videos and I would like to be that cool as well.
9.If you had a superpower, what would it be?
The ability to teleport from one place to another.
10. If you were deserted on an abandoned island what 5 things would you want to have?
- Unlimited music
- My laptop
- A camera
- A notebook and a pen
- Unlimited food.
11. If you were a car, what car would you like to be? Why?
A self-driving car. They can’t get here soon enough.
12. If you could be in any band in the world, which one would you like to be in? Why?
Coldplay. It’s one of my favourite bands.
13. Share something interesting about yourself with our readers.
If someone tickles me, I laugh in retrograde. Instead of saying “ha†I say “ahâ€.