The Department of Computing at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), in collaboration with the Microsoft Africa Development Centre (ADC), has carried out a comprehensive assessment of the university’s Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Bachelor of Computer Technology curriculum. The goal was to align the programs with the evolving needs of the industry. As a result of the review, 128 units in the Computer Science and Computer Technology courses will be updated. These modifications will be implemented in time for the September 2023 intake of students, and it is expected to improve the relevance of the curriculum to industry demands.
The review of the curriculum is just one step in the broader mission of the Microsoft Africa Development Centre (ADC), which aims to drive digital transformation by offering avenues for Kenyans to acquire the necessary skills and practical knowledge to stay competitive in the global digital arena. By focusing on practical skill development and simulating real-world experiences in the classroom, the revised curriculum will help prepare students for the challenges of a rapidly evolving technology industry.
In addition to a refreshed approach to traditional technological concepts, the reviewed curriculum will introduce new and innovative concepts, including Applied Machine Learning, Virtual Reality, Quantum Computing and User Experience Design, as well as industry-standard tools at the education level to improve student’s familiarity with them as they enter the workplace.
Speaking about the development, Catherine Muraga, the Managing Director at Microsoft ADC, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in the curriculum review process and have our experts contribute specialized knowledge that will allow for tech industry-ready students and use of improved standards of teaching.
Globally employable Kenyans boost Kenya’s attractiveness as a destination for technology companies looking to invest here. The startup ecosystem, local businesses, and entrepreneurs working on transforming technology will also benefit. For Kenyans who choose to take up jobs outside the country and support their families or investments back home, it increases remittances, a crucial driver for foreign exchange.
As the continent grows, we anticipate an increasing need for digital skills, especially among youth poised to design incredible solutions to some of the continent’s perennial challenges; this aligns with Kenya’s and Africa’s digital transformation agenda, which requires capacity building of the population for effective uptake of digital services and opportunities.”
As part of the national digitization agenda, the government of Kenya launched the Kenya National Digital Master Plan last year to direct the country’s digital growth trajectory. One of the critical pillars of the master plan is the improvement of digital skills by building the capacity of at least 10,000 ICT professionals with high-level skills.
“The review process has been extensive, with invaluable insights and recommendations from experienced industry experts that will add significant value to classroom instruction. We look forward to providing our students with best-in-class education that integrates practical skills building and theoretical understanding as they prepare for success in the technology industry,” said Dr Lawrence Nderu, Chairman, Department of Computing at JKUAT.
Similar curriculum review initiatives will be implemented at other institutions of higher learning as part of efforts to bridge the ever-present gap between industry and academia, particularly in the technology sector.
“We believe that by partnering with educational institutions, from primary school to the university level, we can help create a future workforce equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a digital age. We look forward to working with other institutions of higher learning to develop curricula that will improve the whole technology talent pipeline and grow the pool of tech talent in the country to benefit the whole ecosystem,” added Ms Muraga.