In a significant step 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 young Kenyans in the critical areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.
The signing ceremony took place on Wednesday during 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 skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.
John Paul Okwiri, CEO of KoTDA, highlighted the importance of the partnership to enhance the Jitume program and accelerate digital skills development in Kenya. “This partnership with Acyberschool will enable us to train young Kenyans in AI, emerging technologies and cybersecurity solutions,” Okwiri said. “This means we will soon improve our ability to create more jobs in the digital space.”
The Jitume Program, led by Konza Technopolis, ICT Authority and TVETS Authority, in collaboration with the private sector, is a collaborative effort to develop Kenya’s digital workforce through training and specialized resources. The MoU with Acyberschool aligns perfectly with the objectives of the Jitume digital skills program.
Evalyn Oloo, CEO of Acyberschool and President of the African Cybersecurity and AI Foundation (ACAIF), urged young Kenyans to seize this opportunity to acquire the skills needed for future jobs. “Cybersecurity and AI are emerging areas that are critical to new digital jobs,” Oloo remarked. “We are training Kenyans for the future of work, and I would like to encourage all young people to seize this opportunity, train and acquire the skills needed to thrive in the digital industry.”
The phased program is a top priority for both partners and by mobilizing resources together, they aim to gain strategic advantage in the implementation of the Jitume programs. This collaboration highlights both organizations’ commitment to fostering a skilled and future-ready workforce in Kenya.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, initiatives such as this partnership between KoTDA and Acyberschool are crucial to ensuring Kenyan youth have the skills needed to navigate the dynamic job market. By investing in AI and cybersecurity training, this collaboration paves the way for young Kenyans to obtain rewarding careers and contribute to the country’s digital transformation.
