Do I need to code to attend a hackathon?

Not necessarily. Teams need designers, presenters, researchers, and testers alongside coders. That said, having some coding basics (even beginner level) makes you more versatile. If you are learning to code, a hackathon is a great forcing function to apply what you know.

Most student hackathons are free. Many provide food, drinks, and sometimes swag. Some cover transport for participants from other cities. Check the event page for details. If a hackathon charges a high entry fee, be cautious and verify it is legitimate.

How do I find hackathons in Kenya?

Follow tech communities on X (Twitter), join Discord servers and Telegram groups for Kenyan developers, and check platforms like Devpost and MLH. University tech clubs often share hackathon announcements. Ask in your campus coding group.

What actually happens at a hackathon, for people who have never been to one | Campus

What actually happens at a hackathon, for people who have never been to one

A hackathon is a timed event where teams build a working prototype from scratch, usually in 24 to 48 hours. You pick a problem, design a solution, code it, and present to judges. You do not need to be an expert. Many first-timers have written very little code. What matters is showing up and contributing what you can.

The typical structure of a hackathon

Most hackathons follow this pattern:

Opening (1 to 2 hours). Sponsors and organisers speak. The theme or challenge is announced. Teams form (or pre-formed teams confirm). Ideas are brainstormed.

Build time (12 to 36 hours). This is the core. Your team designs, codes, and iterates on your project. Mentors walk around to help. Food is provided. Energy drinks appear. Some people sleep; many do not.

Demos and judging (1 to 2 hours). Each team gets two to five minutes to present their project. Judges (usually industry professionals) score based on creativity, execution, and impact. Winners are announced.

Some hackathons are shorter (12 hours or a single day). Some are virtual. The format varies, but the core loop is always: ideate, build, present.

What you actually do as a first-timer

If you have never been to a hackathon, here is what your experience will look like:

Before: Register (most are free for students). If you do not have a team, mark yourself as "looking for a team" on the registration form. Most hackathons have a team-matching session at the start.

Team formation: You join a team of three to five people. Roles split naturally: someone designs, someone builds the frontend, someone handles the backend, someone manages the presentation. If you are a beginner, say so. Good teams value someone who can research, write copy, design slides, or test features.

During the build: You contribute where you can. Writing code is one contribution. Others include: finding resources, testing the product, preparing the demo, keeping the team organised, or handling the presentation. Every hackathon team needs non-code work.

The demo: Your team presents the prototype. It does not need to be polished. Judges know it was built in hours. They are looking for a clear problem, a working demo, and a coherent explanation.

Read how to do well at a hackathon for strategy once you have decided to enter one.

Common fears and why they do not hold up

"I do not know enough to contribute." You know more than you think. If you can Google an error, install a package, write a paragraph, or test a feature, you are useful. Hackathon teams need all kinds of help, not just expert coders.

"What if my team is bad?" Some teams click, others do not. If your team is dysfunctional, you still learn. You learn what bad collaboration feels like, which teaches you to seek better teams next time. One bad experience does not define hackathons.

"I will embarrass myself at the demo." Everyone's demo is rough. Judges have seen broken prototypes, crashed apps, and presentations held together with duct tape. They are evaluating effort and thinking, not perfection.

The worst outcome of attending a hackathon is: you spend a day building something, meet people, and do not win. That is still a good day. See the communities cluster for where to find hackathons near you.

What to do this week

Search for upcoming hackathons in Kenya (check Devpost, MLH, or X/Twitter for announcements).
Register for the next one that is open to students, even if you feel unprepared.
If you do not have a team, mark "looking for team" on the registration form.
Prepare one skill you can contribute: coding, design, research, presentation, or testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to code to attend a hackathon?: Not necessarily. Teams need designers, presenters, researchers, and testers alongside coders. That said, having some coding basics (even beginner level) makes you more versatile. If you are learning to code, a hackathon is a great forcing function to apply what you know.
Are hackathons free?: Most student hackathons are free. Many provide food, drinks, and sometimes swag. Some cover transport for participants from other cities. Check the event page for details. If a hackathon charges a high entry fee, be cautious and verify it is legitimate.
How do I find hackathons in Kenya?: Follow tech communities on X (Twitter), join Discord servers and Telegram groups for Kenyan developers, and check platforms like Devpost and MLH. University tech clubs often share hackathon announcements. Ask in your campus coding group.