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Usalama App helps users access emergency services in case their security is threatened.
Three Strathmore University graduates have developed an application that is meant to fix public safety problems in Kenya and beyond. Edwin Inanji, James Chege and Marvin Makau are already reaping big from Usalama App.
The three graduates of Information Communication Technology and Business conceptualised the app in 2014 shortly after Inanji was accosted by armed criminals on his way to his hostel from university.
After periods of brainstorming, work on the initial version of Usalama App began. Progress was slowed down by classroom commitments but after intense development work, Usalama was launched in 2015.
“Reaching the emergency services when you need them is really difficult. The toll-free line just doesn’t go through,” says Inanji. “Either you have to take yourself (to the police station or hospital), or have a witness to accompany you. If no one is around to help you, most of the time you’re (stuck),” he says.
The three decided to continue their pursuit of growing the platform and registered Usalama Tech Group Limited, which owns, runs and maintains Usalama App as well as offering ICT consultancy, mobile and web development solutions and Institutions Software Packages to more 25 clients.
They have been recognised globally by the Royal Academy of Engineering as among Africa’s most promising start-ups. “As a result, we got a chance to pitch to the Duke of York at an annual event called Pitch@Palace held at the St James Palace in London,” says Onanji.
How Usalama App works
Usalama is accessible to end users via Playstore Download Usalama App. It has various features, including Distress Calls that triggers a call for help. Users can either tap on any icon describing the emergency faced by the user or long press the volume down button for a few seconds and a distress call will be triggered. This works regardless of whether the screen is on or off or whether the user is using another app and Usalama is not running. The distress calls implement GPS to enhance accuracy of the information relayed.
The Usalama Around feature helps users to know if there are Usalama users around them. From here, they can view a marker pinpointing Usalama users within a 200-metre radius from the user. The essence of this feature is to assure users regardless of where they are that people would offer them help if they need. All Usalama users on the map are anonymous.
The Walk With Me feature allows Usalama users who are physically separated to virtually walk with each other.
Then, the Usalama Social Hub is a chat platform where Usalama users can share security news with each other. When users share security news, the app will broadcast it. Users can flag posts as offensive or false. Further, users can also confirm posts as true. All posts made on this platform are anonymous.
According to the company, the ultimate goal is to become the industry standard for emergency response globally and positively impact societies and save lives by linking victims of emergencies to rapid response.
Key emergency providers are embracing the app, hence providing efficient emergency services to our users. The app only works on smartphones because it is heavily reliant on GPS and Google maps.
