Sylvia Duruson
In a significant stride towards empowering Kenya’s digital workforce, the Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Acyberschool. This five-year partnership aims to train one million Kenyan youths in the critical fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.
The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday at the recently concluded Connected Africa Summit in Nairobi, marking a pivotal moment in the collaboration between the two entities. This partnership is poised to equip young Kenyans with the necessary skills to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital economy.
John Paul Okwiri, CEO of KoTDA, underscored the significance of the partnership in enhancing the Jitume program and accelerating digital skills development in Kenya. “This partnership with Acyberschool will enable us to train Kenyan youth on AI, emerging technologies, and cybersecurity solutions,” Okwiri stated. “This means that shortly, we shall enhance our ability to have more jobs in the digital space.”
The Jitume Programme, led by Konza Technopolis, the ICT Authority, and the TVETS Authority, in collaboration with private sectors, is a collaborative effort to develop Kenya’s digital workforce through specialized training and resources. The MoU with Acyberschool aligns seamlessly with the goals of the Jitume Digital Skills Programme.
Evalyn Oloo, CEO of Acyberschool and Chairperson of the Africa Cybersecurity and AI Foundation (ACAIF) urged Kenyan youth to seize this opportunity to acquire the skills needed for future jobs. “Cybersecurity and AI are emerging areas that are key to the new digital jobs,” Oloo remarked. “We are training Kenyans for the future of work, and I would like to encourage all young people to take this opportunity, train, and acquire the relevant skills required to thrive in the digital industry.”
The phased program is a top priority for both partners and by mobilizing resources together, they aim to achieve a strategic advantage in delivering the Jitume programs. This collaboration underscores the commitment of both organizations to foster a skilled and future-ready workforce in Kenya.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, initiatives like this partnership between KoTDA and Acyberschool are crucial in ensuring that Kenya’s youth are equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the dynamic job market. By investing in AI and cybersecurity training, this collaboration paves the way for young Kenyans to secure rewarding careers and contribute to the country’s digital transformation.
