A Kenyan tech developer, Eliud Gilisho, has created a mobile app called "Afande" that alerts phone owners when their device is stolen. The idea for the app came about after Gilisho was robbed of his phone, which contained important contacts and documents. He decided to find a solution to help others avoid the same problem. The app allows users to track their stolen phones and alert those nearby.
The Afande app works by allowing users to press a button on the device, which causes the phone to emit a loud noise, alerting those nearby that the phone has been stolen. The noise is designed to be loud enough to alert others, making it difficult for the thief to escape undetected. According to Gilisho, the noise cannot be turned off or muted by the thief, and the phone will continue to emit the noise until the battery runs out.
One of the unique features of the Afande app is that it can be reactivated even after the phone has been restarted, continuing to emit the noise and alert others. This feature is designed to make it difficult for thieves to dispose of the phone or sell it without being detected. Gilisho is also working on improving the app to make it more user-friendly and accessible.
In addition to alerting others, the Afande app also allows users to track the location of their stolen phone, making it easier to recover the device. The app uses GPS technology to pinpoint the location of the phone, providing users with a better chance of recovering their stolen property. This feature is particularly useful in areas with high crime rates, such as Nairobi.
According to a report by Citizen TV Kenya, three out of ten Kenyans have had their phones stolen, with phones being stolen at a rate of one every 20 minutes in Nairobi. The Afande app is seen as a potential solution to this problem, providing users with a way to protect their devices and track them if they are stolen.
The Afande app is also seen as a tool in the fight against gender-based violence, as it provides a way for victims to quickly alert others and seek help. The app's ability to track the location of a stolen phone could also be useful in investigations and prosecutions. Overall, the Afande app is an innovative solution to a growing problem in Kenya and other African countries.
The development of the Afande app is a testament to the innovative spirit of African tech developers, who are working to find solutions to the unique challenges facing the continent. With the Afande app, Gilisho is providing a valuable service to Kenyans and others who have had their phones stolen, and his work is an example of the impact that technology can have on people's lives.
Key points
- The Afande app alerts phone owners when their device is stolen and tracks its location.
- The app provides a way for victims of phone theft to quickly alert others and seek help.
- The Afande app is a tool in the fight against gender-based violence and can be used in investigations and prosecutions.
