Successful launching of ARO Fablab Kenya West

ARO Fablab Kenya west was successfully launched on Friday 9th October 2009. This was a very important day for ARO Fablab because it was officially opened and now known as one of the Fablabs in the world. ARO Fablab was the first of its kind to be launched in Kenya. The chief guests during this occasion were Hakoon Karslen (President of Fablab Norway) representing the international world and Mohamed Salim (District Officer, Bondo, Kenya) representing Kenya.

Hakoon cuts the ribbon to launch the ARO Fablab officially

Mohammed Salim also cuts the ribbon to launch the ARO Fablab officially

Four Norwegians were present at the launching. These included the ARC Aid CEO, Kjellan Spinnangr, President of Fablab-Norway: Hakoon Karlsen, Arvid, one of the greatest donors of ARC Kenya and Dala Rieko Founder Tor Steinar Rafoss. Also present from abroad were Ruth Lange with her group from West Kenya Friends and Ian Jackobsen, a student on research from Iceland.

A number of high school principles and the head of Science and Information and Technology departments were also present for the occasion. Also so many people from around Majiwa and ARO Staff attended the function. 5 Information Technology students from Jomo Kenyatta university also attended the workshop and even assisted with the installation of the poly cam in the Fablab.

Mohamed Salim and Hakoon Karlsen who were the chief guests share talks as they wait for others to arrive for the function	Kjellan Spinnangr ready to introduce a young Fablabian, Yvonne-left of Kjellan
Hakoon cuts a FAB Foundation cake to mark the occasion	Kjellan plants a tree to mark the occasion

In their speeches both the chief guests and Kjellan emphasized that technology is very important in the growing world and that Majiwa village is so advantaged to have the FABLAB in its vicinity. The DC said in his speech that he will try to support the Fablab through the funds he will be getting for his Bondo District Development. Hakoon said in his speech that he loved Kenya so much and that he is very much happy to be one of the sponsors of the ARO Fablab and that he will continue supporting the ARO Fablab till it can be sustainable. Kjellan in his speech promoted the use of Solar lamp and he said he will work closely with the Fablab to see to it that such clean and cost effective lamps could be made in the Fablab. A student from Nairobi University sent by Dr. Kamau Gachiri also read good speech from Kamau.

Dr. Wasuna (ARO Center manager) digs a hole for planting a tree

FAB BOOT camp participants give their presentations during the launch

The launch was in deed a success followed by a delicious meal from the ARO caterers team. Long live ARO Fablab Kenya West.