Today, Amazon Web Services, Inc. and the Information Communication Technology (ICT) Authority, a state corporation operating under the Ministry of Information Communication and Technology, have announced their intention to enhance the skills of 10,000 pupils by leveraging AWS Academy. AWS Academy, a program by AWS, enables higher education institutions to equip students with the knowledge and expertise required to attain industry-recognized credentials and pursue cloud-related professions.
Starting in June, students can register for a pre-designed cloud computing curriculum that equips them with the skills necessary to pursue in-demand jobs and attain industry-recognized certifications. The curriculum also assists educators in remaining up-to-date with AWS Cloud innovations, enabling them to prepare their students with the knowledge they require to be employed in one of the fastest-growing sectors. Upon finishing the AWS program, students will be equipped with practical cloud skills and will be able to apply for entry-level tech positions. As cloud adoption continues to rise, businesses worldwide, both large and small, are investing in cloud technology and require individuals with cloud skills to help them accomplish their objectives. According to LinkedIn data, cloud computing is one of the top hard skills that firms require.
Speaking during the announcement at Connected Kenya 2023 held in Diani, ICT Authority CEO, Mr. Stanley Kamanguya said, “One of our mandates as ICT Authority is to promote ICT literacy, capacity, innovation and enterprise. In our 10-year ICT Digital Masterplan 2022-2032, we identified that there is a gap in the non-alignment to the industry needs by universities and colleges. The program we are announcing today with AWS aims to bridge this gap between academia and industry. We are very excited to roll this out and look forward to further expanding the opportunity to students in other tertiary institutions.”
Furthermore, CLC (Computer Learning Centre), an AWS Training Partner operating in East, West, and South Africa, will provide AWS Training at the foundational and associate levels to a group of instructors to empower them to offer AWS Academy courses at 10 public universities in Kenya. Aunally Maloo, CEO of CLC Africa, expressed his delight in supporting the ICT Authority’s goal of training and certifying 10,000 young individuals through AWS Academy, saying, “We are privileged to assist the ICT Authority in accomplishing their AWS Academy training and certification objectives.”
AWS strives to collaborate with various organizations, educational institutions, and governments to enable individuals to upskill, reskill, and prepare for high-quality employment opportunities in different professional paths. AWS is open to partnerships with similar training organizations that have the ability to provide cloud training, especially in remote areas. By doing so, AWS aspires to promote the development of a more inclusive industry that prepares learners from diverse backgrounds to become tomorrow’s innovators.
Robin Njiru, the Regional Public Sector Lead for West, East, and Central Africa at AWS said, “During the Connected Kenya 2022 summit, the Government of Kenya launched its ten-year ICT Digital Masterplan 2022-2032. The program we are announcing today with ICT Authority will see AWS Academy provide a curriculum that helps educators at universities stay at the forefront of cloud innovation so that they can equip students with skills needed to get hired in one of the fastest-growing industries. The overall objective of this program is to have more individuals that have job-ready skills needed in the workplace and eventually support the Government of Kenya in realizing a digitally enabled society which is a key outcome in ICT Digital Masterplan 2022-2032”.
AWS is collaborating with numerous organizations such as Gebeya, a Pan-African startup that offers a customized platform on AWS that is accessible to all individuals seeking technology career paths and employment opportunities. Gebeya’s CEO and founder, Amadou Daffe, stated that their objective is to train and certify a minimum of 5,000 students within the first year. The academy and job platform provided by Gebeya serves as a vital link in promoting economic growth, innovation, and empowering the next generation of tech leaders by bridging the gap between skills acquisition and job opportunities. Gebeya recognizes the significance of this connection and is committed to providing an integrated platform that connects top-tier tech talent with the world’s most innovative companies, such as AWS.
