Arnold Paul Namisi (born November 19, 2002) is a Ugandan technology entrepreneur and the CEO and founder of Kit[1], a software company based in Uganda. He is recognized for his contributions to the software industry in East Africa, particularly through the development and expansion of Kit ERP, an enterprise resource planning system designed to cater to various business needs.

Arnold Paul Namisi
Arnold Namisi at Kit Headquarters in Mbale
Born (2002-11-19) November 19, 2002 (age 21)
Mbale, Uganda
NationalityUgandan
Other namesApollo
EducationMbale Senior Secondary School, Mbale
Occupation
Years active2021–present
Known forFounded Kit
Height1.65 m (5 ft 5 in)
Children1
Parents
  • Sir Samuel Kefa Namisi (father)
  • Mariam Namisi (mother)
Relatives
  • Namisi Eric (brother) born 1999
  • Kefas Brand (brother) born 2001
  • Namisi Govin Emma (Brother) born 2008
  • Princess Elizabeth Praise (sister) born 2018.
Websitenamisiarnold.com

Early Life and Education

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Arnold Paul Namisi was born in Mbale[2], Uganda, to Samuel Kefa Namisi[3] and Mariam Namisi. He grew up in a family with five siblings. Namisi's early interest in technology and software development was nurtured in his hometown, where he began experimenting with programming and business management tools.

Namisi pursued a Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)[4], where he graduated with honors. He later enrolled at Isbat University[5] for a bachelor's degree in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.[6] However, he left the program during the first semester to concentrate on developing Kit ERP.[7] In an interview with Think TV Uganda[8], Namisi credited much of his expertise to being self-taught, starting at the age of 12 or 13 in his parents' garage.

Career

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In 2022, Namisi founded Kit in his hometown of Mbale.[9] The company initially focused on providing an ERP system for local businesses, offering solutions for managing operations such as accounting, human resources, sales, and inventory.[10] The software quickly gained traction due to its user-friendly interface, catering to the needs of various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and services.

Kit's first client was OM Supermarket in Soroti, Uganda, which played a crucial role in the company's growth. The supermarket's endorsement helped Namisi secure additional clients, leading to a rapid expansion of Kit's customer base. By the end of 2022, Kit had established itself as a software provider in Uganda and began serving clients beyond its borders.[11][12]

Initially based in Namisi's home in Mbale, Kit's headquarters moved to an office on Pallisa Road, Mbale, near Abrah Supermarket. In 2023, Kit expanded with a branch in Kampala, Uganda's capital city, employing over 20 people. By 2024, the company began constructing its headquarters at Nabweya Hill Top, Mbale, next to Hotel Washington, indicating ongoing growth and ambition.[13]

Contributions

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Arnold Paul Namisi's achievements extend beyond technological innovation to significant contributions to job creation in Uganda. Through Kit, Namisi has provided employment opportunities for over 20 people, supporting the local economy and nurturing talent in the technology sector. The company's growth and expansion have not only showcased Namisi's entrepreneurial skills but have also highlighted the potential for youth-led businesses to drive economic development in the region.

Namisi's story was featured in a recent article titled "Isbat University Student Launches Innovative Software Company, Driving Job Creation in Uganda," which detailed his journey from a university student to a successful CEO. The article emphasized the positive impact of Kit on local businesses and the broader East African market.[14]

Personal Life

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Arnold Namisi is the brother of Rodney Kefas Namisi, also known as Kefas Brand[15], an actor known for his work in Ugandan cinema.[16]

Namisi maintains a connection to his roots in Mbale and has expressed a commitment to contributing to the local community.

References

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  1. ^ "Kit - Cloud solutions for every business". kit.africa. Retrieved 2024-07-25.
  2. ^ "Mbale", Wikipedia, 2024-03-19, retrieved 2024-07-25
  3. ^ "LC5 Pays Tax For The Poor". New Vision. Retrieved 2024-07-25.
  4. ^ "The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)". Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Retrieved 2024-07-25.
  5. ^ "Home". ISBAT University. Retrieved 2024-07-25.
  6. ^ "Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (B.Sc. AI & ML)". ISBAT Online. Retrieved 2024-07-25.
  7. ^ "Kit - Cloud solutions for every business". kit.africa. Retrieved 2024-07-25.
  8. ^ "Listen to THINK TV UGANDA FM". Zeno.FM. Retrieved 2024-07-25.
  9. ^ Kit ERP's Rise in Uganda, A Journey of Innovation and Growth https://kit.africa/blog/kit-erp%27s-rise-in-uganda,-a-journey-of-innovation-and-growth-7
  10. ^ ERP system https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/erp.asp
  11. ^ East Africa https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Africa
  12. ^ Kit ERP's Rise in Uganda, A Journey of Innovation and Growth https://kit.africa/blog/kit-erp%27s-rise-in-uganda,-a-journey-of-innovation-and-growth-7
  13. ^ Kampala, Uganda's capital city https://www.kabiraugandasafaris.com/kampala.html
  14. ^ Isbat University Student Launches Innovative Software Company, Driving Job Creation in Uganda https://kit.africa/blog/isbat-university-student-launches-innovative-software-company,-driving-job-creation-in-uganda-14
  15. ^ Rodney Kefa Namisi, also known as Kefasbrand https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14490089/
  16. ^ Namisi Arnold Paul Brothers, https://redpepper.co.ug/kefas-brandhow-he-rose-to-stardom-and-other-interesting-facts-to-know-about-him/128864/