Kenya: Big tech companies team up to launch a Digital Talent Program in Kenya

Over 30 technology sector players in Kenya have come together to launch a Digital Talent Program which aims to develop digital skills that fit the market by taking a sustainable approach to create a healthy digital talent pipeline.

According to a statement the program will target to upskill 1,000 participants in its first year, based on the digital skills currently in high demand.

The partners include 6 Universities, 14 Training Partners, 5 Tech-Hubs and community organisations, 7 Government agencies and 14 industry players including Big-Tech are part of the program.

Simon Chelugui, Cabinet Secretary – Ministry of Labour, “It has been observed that there is a number of youth with ICT related certificates who do not possess the skills and competencies required by the employer. Therefore, it is important for us as an industry and sector to push for digital penetration and come up with training and upskilling institutes to support those who are willing to be trained.”

Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom PLC CEO said: “The digital talent program is in line with our purpose of transforming lives and vision to become a purpose-led technology company. Our ultimate objective is to position Kenya as the leading hub for tech talent in Africa.”

Catherine Muraga, MD ADC, Microsoft said: “We believe that Africa should not only be a consumer of technology, but also a hub for local talent. We can make a contribution in shaping and innovating the world. Kenya has a huge talent pool of competent and capable developers. That is why Microsoft and other tech companies are setting up their Africa operations here.”

Dr. Joshua Gisemba, KCA University Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs said: “As universities, we need to rethink the curriculum and the methodologies that come along with that. Even as we put down the structures and have the curriculum reviewed, we also need to adequately prepare the instructors and providers to be able to adjust to the teaching methodology according to the needs of the society.”

The program will focus on 9 priority skill areas including: UI/UX design; Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning; IOT; Big Data and Analytics; Cyber Security; Cloud Computing; Fintech; Robotics Process Automation; and Software Engineering.

It will be delivered through a hybrid approach including classroom learning, mentorship, and internships for the experiential part of the learning. It will also involve hackathons, fireside chats, guest lecture sessions, incubation, career fairs, annual awards, curriculum reviews, placements, and certifications, among others.

Partners from academia will provide a pipeline for digital talent as well as the institutional strength and mandate to facilitate and implement classroom learning. Tech Hubs will also provide a talent pipeline and play a critical role in driving innovation, while training partners will curate digital learning paths that are relevant to industry expectations.

Government agencies will enable the program through implementing relevant policies. Industry partners, including big-tech companies, will be the key beneficiaries of the talent pipeline that the program seeks to create, and will also provide coaching and mentorship as well as internship and employment opportunities.

The industry digital talent program is an initiative that seeks to transform Kenya through digital skills and innovation at scale.

This will help to address digital talent supply shortage and mismatch, economic potential for scaled digital transformation, and transform the society by providing youth with skills and a source of income.

The program brings together like minded stakeholders, each participating in various capacities including providing mentorship, internship, scholarship, sponsorship, innovation and platforms.

The full list of partners below:

AWS, IBM, Gulf Bank, Microsoft, Google, UN, Sevenstone Ltd, eMobilis, GIZ Kenya, Oracle, UK Government, Qualcomm, NCBA, Huawei, Nation Media Group, Dell, Belgium Embassy, Ministry of ICT, Kenya Private Sector Alliance, ICT Authority, National Industrial Training Authority, Kenya National Innovation Agency, Eldo-Hub, The Forgotten Bottom Billions, Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Technical University of Mombasa, KCA University, Technical University of Kenya, USIU, Thunderbird School of Management, Strathmore University, Next Arabia, Think Innovators Kenya, Africa Leadership Initiative.