Cloud computing firm Oracle and ICT Authority have signed an MoU that will see the introduction of specialized training in the latest digital technologies, including cloud computing to Kenyan graduates in the Presidential Digital Talent Program.
The Presidential Digital Talent Program is an internship program that develops the ICT talent pool in Kenya through a collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The program will last for three years. It will include 90 students, and will also be benefitting the Whitebox Project, which supports local startups.
The reveal was made at the Connected Kenya 2022 Summit, which ends today in Diani.
The show is being hosted by ICTA (ICT Authority).
According to a statement from Oracle Kenya and ICTA, the program will be supported by Oracle for Startups.
To note, the initiative is owned by ICTA.
Oracle, on the other hand, seeks to build a robust local IT talent pool that is ready to take part in the fast-growing ICT industry.
Also, the initiative will encourage the Kenyan youth to drive innovation in line with Kenya’s Vision 2030 strategy.
The program has already gone live, with the first batch of 10 students starting their training in March 2022.
“Our collaboration with Oracle enables us to further empower the Kenyan youth with specialized skills; know-how and a platform to innovate with world-class solutions, while supporting the ongoing transformation of our country alongside the Big 4 Agenda. The digital revolution is characterized by the emergence of new digital skills in fields like artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, and mobile robotics. Our youth will have the opportunity with these new skill sets to influence people’s lives in Kenya,” says Dr. Ronoh, the Ag. CEO, ICTA.
“Cloud-led digital transformation is accelerating in Kenya and in order to equip businesses and government to benefit from the latest digital technologies, we need to ensure we have a strong local talent pool to meet industry demands. Investing in the skills of the youth today is vital for the successful growth of the information technology industry in Kenya”, says David Bunei, Country Leader for Oracle Kenya.
“This program will ensure that students are equipped with the right skills for the fourth industrial revolution. This 12-week in-depth training and information sharing program will focus on emerging and cloud technologies and various personal career mentorship streams”, says Bunei.