As a junior developer at PalmPay, I interacted with so many APIs and one fascinating trend was the use of unique Kiswahili words as names of sandbox development platforms. These platforms serve as testing grounds for developers to experiment, build, and integrate applications with the bank’s systems. In this blog post, we will delve into this intriguing phenomenon, highlighting a few notable examples and exploring the significance behind these Swahili terms.

1. Daraja: Safaricom’s Gateway to Integration

Safaricom, a leading telecommunications company in Kenya, introduced “Daraja” as the name for its sandbox development platform. In Swahili, “Daraja” means “gateway” or “bridge.” This choice reflects Safaricom’s commitment to providing developers with a seamless integration experience, connecting their applications to Safaricom’s vast ecosystem of services. With Daraja, developers gain access to powerful APIs and tools, enabling them to build innovative solutions that leverage Safaricom’s mobile payment, messaging, and other services.

https://developer.safaricom.co.ke/

2. Buni: KCB’s Innovative Playground

KCB, one of Kenya’s leading banks, introduced “Buni” as the name for its sandbox development platform. Derived from the Swahili word meaning “to create” or “to build,” Buni reflects the bank’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration. By providing developers with a dedicated space to experiment and create new applications, KCB aims to accelerate the development of cutting-edge financial solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers.

https://buni.kcbgroup.com/

3. Jenga: Equity Bank’s Foundation for Growth

Equity Bank chose “Jenga” as the name for its sandbox development platform, which translates to “build” in Swahili. The choice of this word aligns with Equity Bank’s mission of empowering individuals and businesses to build a strong foundation for financial growth. By offering developers the tools and resources to build and test their applications, Jenga encourages the creation of innovative solutions that enhance financial access and inclusion for all.

https://www.jengaapi.io/

4. Kilele: Stanbic Bank’s Ascent to New Heights

Stanbic Bank adopted “Kilele” as the name for its sandbox development platform, meaning “peak” or “summit” in Swahili. This choice reflects the bank’s vision of enabling developers to reach new heights in their pursuit of technological excellence. Kilele provides a secure and collaborative environment where developers can push their boundaries and create transformative solutions that elevate the banking experience for Stanbic Bank’s customers.

https://kilele.stanbicbank.co.ke/

Conclusion

The use of unique Swahili words to represent sandbox development platforms in Kenya’s banking sector adds a touch of local flavour and cultural significance to the technology-driven landscape. Words like Buni, Jenga, Kilele and Daraja carry deeper meanings that resonate with both developers and customers. They symbolize the banks’ commitment to innovation, growth, and providing exceptional financial services. By incorporating Swahili terminology, these institutions not only infuse their platforms with cultural identity but also strengthen the connection between technology and the people it serves.

What other platforms use Swahili to represent their products? Please let me know in the comments.

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Embracing Kiswahili: Exploring Unique Terminology in Kenyan API Sandbox Development