Kenya: 1 Million Kenyans Set to Receive AI and Cybersecurity Training

At least 1 million Kenyans are set to receive training in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity, paving the way for increased digital job opportunities, particularly for the youth.This groundbreaking initiative is the result of a collaborative effort between the Kenya Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) and Acyberschool. The partnership was formalized through a signing ceremony held at the Connected Africa Summit 2024, underscoring the commitment of both entities to drive digital skills development and empower individuals with the knowledge and expertise needed to thrive in the digital age.

The program's ambitious goal reflects Kenya's proactive approach to harnessing the potential of emerging technologies to foster economic growth and social empowerment. By equipping 1 million Kenyans with AI and cybersecurity training, the initiative aims to not only bridge the digital skills gap but also to unlock new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.Through targeted training initiatives and capacity-building programs, participants will gain practical skills and insights into cutting-edge technologies such as AI and cybersecurity. This will not only enhance their employability but also position them as valuable contributors to Kenya's digital transformation journey.

As Kenya continues to position itself as a regional hub for innovation and technology, initiatives like this play a crucial role in ensuring that the benefits of digitalization are accessible to all segments of society. By investing in human capital development and fostering a culture of lifelong learning, Kenya is laying the groundwork for a future-ready workforce and sustainable economic development in the digital era.The implementation of this ambitious initiative is slated to span a period of five years, during which both the Kenya Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) and Acyberschool will collaborate closely in resource mobilization and program execution.

John Paul Okwiri, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KoTDA, expressed optimism about the initiative's potential to significantly enhance digital skills development in the country. He noted that the program will complement existing efforts such as the Jitume Digital Skills program, further accelerating Kenya's progress towards building a digitally savvy workforce capable of thriving in the global digital economy.By leveraging synergies and pooling resources, the partnership between KoTDA and Acyberschool aims to maximize impact and reach a broader spectrum of Kenyan citizens. Through targeted training initiatives and capacity-building programs, the initiative seeks to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in key areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.

As Kenya continues to prioritize digital transformation as a cornerstone of its socio-economic development agenda, initiatives like this play a pivotal role in equipping the workforce with the necessary skills to drive innovation, spur economic growth, and enhance global competitiveness. Through sustained collaboration and concerted efforts, KoTDA and Acyberschool are poised to make significant strides in advancing digital skills development and unlocking new opportunities for Kenya's youth and workforce alike.

"Today was a very exciting day for us because in partnership with Acyberschool, we have been able to sign an MoU to train Kenyan youth on AI, emerging technologies, and cybersecurity solutions training. This means that in the near future, we shall enhance our ability to have more jobs in the digital space," said Okwiri."The program will be done in phases and our target is to train one million youth. This is a key target for us, and we believe through mobilizing resources together, we shall be able to augment our key efforts in Jitume programs," he added.

Already, Konza Technopolis, the ICT Authority, and the TVET Authority are at the forefront of spearheading the Jitume Program, aimed at providing specialized training and resources to support the growth of digital technologies in Kenya."Cybersecurity and AI are emerging areas which are key in the new digital jobs. 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," Evalyn Oloo, CEO of Acyberschool and Chairperson of the Africa Cybersecurity and AI Foundation (ACAIF), emphasized.

With the concerted efforts of key stakeholders and partners like Konza Technopolis, the ICT Authority, and the TVET Authority, the Jitume Program is poised to play a pivotal role in equipping Kenyan youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. By focusing on cybersecurity, AI, and other emerging technologies, the program seeks to prepare a new generation of digital professionals capable of driving innovation, fostering economic growth, and securing Kenya's position as a leader in the global digital economy.