HSWT Entrepreneur Stories | Part 60: JangaVoice
JangaVoice is a digital multi-hazard early warning system that supports pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities* in Kenya’s arid regions by providing local alerts, market data, water source monitoring and access to services. Behind this innovation is HSWT alumnus Somo Guyo Jattani, who draws on his experiences from his studies and the SUN network to translate research into practical solutions for food security and resilience. In 2025, Somo completed a Village Semester as part of the Master’s programme in Sustainable Regional Development at the Triesdorf campus.
What exactly does JangaVoice do?
Somo: JangaVoice is a digital early-warning system that provides local alerts on drought, flooding, vegetation and the food situation. We monitor water sources via IoT sensors, enable the booking of veterinary and agrovet services, and provide daily market prices. Our aim is to empower vulnerable communities with reliable information.
How do local people benefit from your platform?
They receive local climate and food security alerts, can monitor water sources, book services and check market prices to ensure they get a fair deal. Governments and NGOs use our dashboards and hotspot maps for planning and resource allocation. The private sector can reach customers directly and target their offers effectively.
Why is JangaVoice unique?
We don’t work top-down, but rather in a two-way manner: citizens report hazards themselves, and we combine this data with technology and analytics. Our platform is multilingual, works offline and is accessible via app, USSD, IVR and SMS – meaning it’s also available to people without internet access or a smartphone.
How have HSWT and the SUN network shaped you?
The culture of innovation at HSWT and within the SUN network has had a major influence on my entrepreneurial journey. It has shown me how to translate research into practical solutions. JangaVoice is a direct result of this way of thinking.
Where does JangaVoice stand today, and what are your goals?
We’ve successfully piloted the service in Marsabit County and are now in the growth phase. Over the next two years, we aim to reach 200,000 users, collaborate with three county governments and 15 NGOs, and expand our IoT and weather station network. In the long term, we’d like to establish a pan-African resilience platform.
What advice would you give to other founders?
See problems as opportunities, develop user-centred solutions, build trust within communities, and measure both impact and sustainability. Innovation arises where needs are taken seriously.
*Editor’s note:
Pastoralist communities: people who live primarily from transhumance. They migrate seasonally with their herds (e.g. goats, sheep, camels, cattle) to water and grazing areas.
Agro-pastoral communities: People who combine livestock rearing with Agriculture.
