Nairobi, Kenya– The air was electric with anticipation as Kenya’s newest crop of digital ninjas in a grand ceremony in Nairobi. These young innovators are equipped with cutting-edge digital skills and are poised to lead East Africa’s burgeoning tech industry into a new era of innovation and prosperity. As the region’s digital landscape continues to evolve, these graduates stand at the forefront of a technological revolution that will shape the future of Africa.
Speaking during an interview with Liberal News Network in Nairobi, Laurin Mungai, a 26-year-old graduate from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) narrated how she found out about the digital skill program and the impact it has brought on her career and business.
“In business, data is everything. I was relying on word-of-mouth feedback for my chili products, which wasn’t sustainable. But, now, thanks to the training, I can clean, analyze, and visualize data, allowing me to build meaningful narratives and track progress. It has completely changed the way I operate my business,”
Laurin who pursued mechatronic engineering said the program provided more than just technical know-how because it empowered her to bolster her entrepreneurial venture.
“I encourage other young people to seek out similar opportunities,” said Lauren while noting that programs digital programs are often more accessible and impactful than traditional routes.
Accordingly, Brian Monene, a fourth-year software engineering student from Murang’a University of Technology, encountered a similar experience. Initially doubtful about the success of his application, Brian viewed the program as an opportunity to refine his technical expertise and acquire practical experience.
“I applied merely to advance my technical abilities,” Brian explained. “What I didn’t anticipate was how profoundly this program would broaden my horizons—not just in programming, but also in networking and practical industry engagement.”
The 10-day intensive training introduced Brian to new programming tools and practices while fostering a collaborative network among the participants. He has already begun applying his newfound knowledge to an ongoing business project and is excited about the potential it holds for his future.
“It felt like the missing piece of the puzzle for my project. This course has given me the confidence to implement what I’ve learned in data science,” he said.
The program was organized by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the Inter-University Council of East Africa (IUCEA), and WINS Global Consult, with support from Strathmore University. It was designed to help young people from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to develop skills for the African market.
Emmanuel Kuyu, the Deputy Director of Strathmore University’s iLab Africa, said the program is a vital step in preparing young people for the digital economy. In his view, more youths need to be engaged in this program.
He also said, “The initiative is essential for preparing young people to thrive in the digital age.”
The influence of the program reaches far beyond the confines of the classroom. Currently, iLab Africa is renowned for its dedication to harnessing technology for developmental progress across East Africa, and sees this latest batch of graduates as a testament to their mission of building digital prowess in crucial sectors.
“At iLab Africa, we aim to leverage technology to address real-world issues. This program embodies that mission—arming young minds with the tools needed to confront the challenges of the future,” Kuyu added.
As East Africa’s digital revolution gains unprecedented momentum, Kenya stands as a beacon of this transformation, galvanizing its youth to spearhead the change. Initiatives like the digital skills program herald the rise of a new generation of innovators, poised to reshape not just their local economies, but the future of the entire region.