In Mombasa, Kenya, young mothers often face barriers that hinder their ability to restart their lives after early motherhood. Through the Ubuntu.Lab Transformative Leadership Programme, Agneda Ingutia channeled her digital expertise and personal growth journey into a powerful initiative. Teen Mom in Tech aims to restore dignity, build confidence, and equip teen mothers with the digital skills needed to thrive in the tech-driven world.
Rewriting the Narrative for Teen Mothers Through Tech
Agneda Ingutia – Mombasa, Kenya
Agneda Ingutia is a freelancer in website development and graphic design who uses digital tools to support impactful community projects. Her passion lies in empowering young women—especially teen mothers and youth—with the skills and confidence to reimagine their futures. “I was at a point where I needed to pause and reflect on how to align my work with the kind of change I actually want to be part of,” she says of her decision to join the Ubuntu.LabTransformative Programme. “I wanted to explore what leadership could look like beyond titles and responsibilities—leadership that’s people-centered and rooted in real-life experiences.”
For Agneda, this programme wasn’t about chasing success. “I also wanted to be in spaces where the conversation wasn’t just about success, but about purpose and systems.” Her goal was clear: to gain “clarity on how to grow as a leader both in my personal life and in the work I do within my community.” What she received in return exceeded expectations. “The programme gave me more than I expected. It helped me pause, reflect, and reconnect with my values. I began to see leadership not as a title or role, but as a way of being centered on presence, empathy, and co-creation. It transformed how I approach both work and life.”
One defining moment came during a session called The River of Life. “Our facilitator Madam Corazon invited us to reflect deeply on our inner wounds, limiting beliefs, and personal stories,” she recalls. “It was in that moment I understood how much of my leadership had been shaped by survival, not wholeness. That shift helped me begin leading from a more authentic, grounded place—not just from ambition or responsibility. It was uncomfortable, but freeing.”
Her participation in the hub community further deepened her insights. “Being a part of the hub community helped me to understand the true meaning of Ubuntu—I am because you are. It reminded me that I don’t walk this journey alone.” The sense of shared purpose and mutual support left a profound impact. “The hub became a space of belonging, where we lifted each other, challenged each other, and reminded one another of our shared humanity. It taught me that leadership isn’t individualistic—it’s collective, relational, and rooted in community.”
Now, Agneda stands more sure of herself. “I feel more grounded, confident, and connected to my purpose. I’ve gained a deeper sense of who I am and what kind of leader I want to be—not just for myself, but for the people I serve.” She adds, “I feel more courageous to lead with heart, to co-create with others, and to trust the process. Most importantly, I feel part of something bigger—a community that believes in change, in people, and in the power of Ubuntu.”
It was during the final phase of Ubuntu.Lab that her prototype was born. “We were challenged to respond to a need we deeply cared about,” Agneda says. “That moment made me pause and reflect on the people I often see overlooked in society. I began thinking about the silent struggles of teen mothers—how they carry so much potential but often lack support, opportunity, and a second chance.” She envisioned a space where these young women could be “seen, supported, and empowered—especially through something as transformative as tech.”
The result is Teen Mom in Tech—“a safe, empowering space where young mothers gain digital skills, confidence, and community support to rewrite their stories and step into the tech world with boldness.” For Agneda, this prototype “aligns with my values of equity, empathy, and Ubuntu—recognizing that when one of us rises, we all rise.”
So far, she has made impressive strides. “I’ve been able to clarify the problem I want to solve, connect deeply with the people affected, and co-create a solution that is practical and rooted in empathy.” She has also begun organizing logistics. “I have also put my team in order to look for a good area where we will put the cyber and the best quality of desktops to purchase.” Through the Ubuntu.Lab process, Agneda says she moved “from an idea to a well-thought-out prototype, supported by a community that believes in collaboration and impact.” She adds, “I’ve also grown in confidence—trusting my voice and vision more with every step.”
Looking ahead, Agneda is committed to scaling the initiative. “I plan to build on the momentum of this prototype by engaging directly with teen mothers, piloting the program in a community setting, and gathering feedback to improve it further.” She also aims to collaborate with “local organizations, mentors, and tech professionals to create a sustainable, supportive ecosystem.” Above all, she wants to “ensure that the spirit of Ubuntu—lifting as we rise—remains at the center of everything we do.”
Her final reflection captures the heart of the journey: “This journey has been life-changing. It reminded me that leadership is not about having it all figured out, but about showing up with openness, humility, and courage.” Through Ubuntu.Lab, Agneda has learned that “true transformation begins within—and when we lead from that place, we can co-create meaningful change with others.” She concludes, “I’m leaving this experience more grounded in purpose, more connected to community, and more hopeful about the impact we can make together.”
A great session we had where we were brainstorming the prototype we should come up with and how to go about it.