Do I need coding experience to attend a JKUAT hackathon?

No. Most campus hackathons welcome beginners. You can join a team and contribute to design, research, or presentation while learning from more experienced teammates. The goal is to participate and learn.

How many hackathons does JKUAT have per year?

The number varies depending on club activity and external partnerships. Expect at least two to four major events per academic year, plus smaller workshops and coding challenges. Join the club groups for the latest schedule.

Are JKUAT tech events only for CS students?

No. Most tech clubs and events are open to students from any faculty. If you are interested in tech, regardless of your degree, you are welcome. Some of the best hackathon teams include students from non-tech backgrounds who bring different perspectives.

JKUAT hackathons and tech events: the yearly calendar | Campus

JKUAT hackathons and tech events: the yearly calendar

JKUAT hosts several hackathons and tech events throughout the academic year. Most are organised by student clubs like GDSC JKUAT, the ACM chapter, and departmental associations. The biggest events usually fall in the first semester between September and December. Keep an eye on club WhatsApp groups and notice boards at SCIT for announcements.

When tech events happen at JKUAT

JKUAT tech events follow the academic calendar. The bulk of events happen during semester time, with quieter periods during breaks and exam weeks.

September to October: the start of the academic year brings club recruitment drives, orientation workshops, and introductory coding sessions. This is when GDSC JKUAT, the ACM chapter, and other tech clubs set up for the year. Attend the recruitment events even if you are not sure which club to join.

October to November: most clubs have settled in and start running their main events. Expect hackathons, coding challenges, and workshop series. Google Solution Challenge preparation often starts around this time for GDSC chapters.

February to March: second semester events pick up. Inter-university competitions, regional hackathons, and industry-partnered events often happen in this window.

April to May: some clubs hold end-of-year showcases or project demos before exams. This is also when students start preparing for national competitions and hackathons that happen during the break.

The exact dates change each year. The most reliable way to stay informed is to join the WhatsApp or Telegram groups of the tech clubs you are interested in.

Who organises tech events at JKUAT

GDSC JKUAT: part of the global Google Developer Student Clubs programme. They run workshops, study jams, hackathons, and the Google Solution Challenge. One of the most consistently active tech clubs on campus.

ACM Student Chapter: focuses on competitive programming, algorithms, and data structures. They run internal competitions and prepare teams for the ICPC (International Collegiate Programming Contest).

SCIT departmental events: the School of Computing and Information Technology organises academic seminars, guest lectures, and industry days. These are more formal but valuable for hearing from practising professionals.

External partners: companies like Safaricom, Microsoft, and other tech firms occasionally sponsor events at JKUAT or invite students to participate in their hackathons. Club leaders usually share these opportunities in the group chats.

For tech events happening across Kenya beyond the JKUAT campus, check mctaba.com/events for an updated calendar.

How to get involved

You do not need to be an expert coder to attend a hackathon or tech event. Most campus events welcome beginners.

Step one: join the WhatsApp or Telegram groups for GDSC JKUAT, ACM JKUAT, and any other tech clubs that interest you. This is how announcements reach students.

Step two: attend an event as a spectator first if you are not ready to compete. Watch how teams work, what tools they use, and how they present. Read what happens at a hackathon for a full breakdown.

Step three: form a team with classmates or club members for the next event. You do not need a complete team of experts. Mixed skill levels work fine, and most hackathons have mentors to help.

Step four: if you want to organise events rather than just attend them, talk to the club leads about joining the organising committee. Running a hackathon or workshop builds skills that coding alone does not teach.

Read how to do well at a hackathon before your first competition.

What to do this week

Join the GDSC JKUAT and ACM JKUAT WhatsApp groups to get event announcements.
Attend at least one tech event in your first semester, even as a spectator.
Form a hackathon team with two or three classmates before the first competition of the year.
Check mctaba.com/events monthly for tech events happening beyond the JKUAT campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need coding experience to attend a JKUAT hackathon?: No. Most campus hackathons welcome beginners. You can join a team and contribute to design, research, or presentation while learning from more experienced teammates. The goal is to participate and learn.
How many hackathons does JKUAT have per year?: The number varies depending on club activity and external partnerships. Expect at least two to four major events per academic year, plus smaller workshops and coding challenges. Join the club groups for the latest schedule.
Are JKUAT tech events only for CS students?: No. Most tech clubs and events are open to students from any faculty. If you are interested in tech, regardless of your degree, you are welcome. Some of the best hackathon teams include students from non-tech backgrounds who bring different perspectives.