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Kenyan artist Cyrus Kabiru wearing some of his work.

Kenyan artist Cyrus Kabiru wearing some of his work.

Airtel has partnered with UP Magazine to launch a competition to award Kenyans who are change makers in the society through design. The competition dubbed ‘Design Thinking’ (DXD- Disruption by Design), will reward innovative Kenyans in various categories like Architecture Design, Communications Design, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Interactive Design- focusing on web design, gaming and mobile interfaces, Tech Design, Product Design (useful human based designs that improve life), and Green Design (Covering de­signs that improve or enhance the environment).

“We are delighted to celebrate the creativity, power and influence of many young Kenyans whose unique skills and expertise have helped to positively impact our society. This award therefore creates a unique platform to recognize and reward them, giving them the opportunity to showcase their skills which will help make positive and sustainable change beyond the Kenyan borders,” said Airtel Kenya CEO Adil El Youssefi while announcing the competition.

Those wishing to participate must be citizens or long-term residents of Kenya and have been practicing de­sign for at least three years. Corporations and institutions must have their headquar­ters in Kenya. Nominees will be selected for a body of work and not for any one specific project.

How it will work

  1. Submissions will be accepted at dxd.co.ke after the launch event.
  2. The DXD committee will oversee the events and submission process and the Grand Jury will conduct the voting exercises following the final submission dates.
  3. An Official Nominating Committee will decide which people will be invited to submit materials for a jury’s review.
  4. Submissions and entries will close on August 31st.
  5. There is a People’s Choice Award which the public will vote for.
  6. The winners will be announced at a gala event in November.

Airtel and Up Magazine are launching this initiative today at the Nailab. Below are the details. Attend if you can.

What: Launch of Design by disruption by Airtel and Up Magazine
Speakers: Nathan Masyuko-NexGen, Sapna Chandaria-UP Magazine, Marion Wanyoike- Airtel Kenya and Rand Pearson- UP Magazine
Moderator: Robert Kunga
When: Today, Thursday, 5th February 2015
Where: Nailab, 4th Floor Bishop Magua Centre, George Padmore Lane (Opposite Uchumi Ngong Road).
Time: 6pm