In a bid to accelerate Kenya’s digital transformation, the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Authority of Kenya has teamed up with global technology leader, Cisco, to develop and implement training programmes aimed at enhancing the skills of ICT professionals in the country.
The training will focus on areas such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT), and will be conducted through the Cisco Networking Academy.
This programme has already upskilled 104,978 people across its 50 academies in Kenya in just one fiscal year.
Cisco has also made a new commitment to expand its digital and cybersecurity skills training to 3 million people across Africa.
“This commitment includes an in-kind contribution of $200 million for resources like curriculum, tools, schools, and instructors,” said Francine Katsoudas, Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief People, Policy and Purpose Officer of Cisco at the 12th edition of the Connected Summit held at Diamonds Eisure Lodge in Diani, Kwale County.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Cisco and the ICT Authority of Kenya is a significant milestone in developing the country’s ICT sector, ensuring that Kenya has the skilled workforce it needs to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the digital economy.
The Digital Master Plan was launched during the 2022 staging of the Connected Kenya Summit.
According to Stanley Kamanguya, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ICT Authority, the newly formed partnership with Cisco is an essential step towards empowering Kenyans in the field of ICT and benefiting the country as a whole.
“By collaborating with private enterprises such as Cisco, who possess a deep understanding of the digital landscape, we can establish new national foundations and equip our citizens with digital skills and opportunities.”
Mr Kamanguya noted that the private sector is considered as the driving force of the digital economy in Kenya, and a close alliance with them is necessary to provide the latest skills to the current and future workforce.
The government’s efforts to expand the country’s ICT talent pool will be complemented by the private sector’s support, and we aim to provide a favorable environment for them to contribute towards this goal.