IBM to spend Sh6bn on training in universities
What you need to know:
- Kenya is a very important market for IBM since it set up its first Africa research lab in Nairobi, going forward, KENET will work with IBM in fostering knowledge across varied education levels.
- “When we speak of the standard gauge railway, the, oil discoveries and ICT revolution, we need people with the right skills to tackle these markets by managing the resources,” said Kaimenyi who hinted that the program will supplement the digital literacy project.
- He added that already 13 universities in Africa are using the program, and over 1,000 students are enrolled, with 100 lecturers also being trained on the system’s skills.
IBM will invest over Sh6 billion in a skills investment program across universities and polytechnics in East Africa.
IBM East Africa General Manager Nicholas Nesbitt said the largest chunk of the money will be focused on Kenya.
The funds will be spent on building a cloud system for 50 universities in Kenya, where learning content will be available in partnership with Kenya Education Network (KENET).
“We will deliver our courses online as part of IBM- KENET private cloud, students will take the courses for free on IBM technology,” Mr Nesbitt said at an interview in GES.
He added that already 13 universities in Africa are using the program, and over 1,000 students are enrolled, with 100 lecturers also being trained on the system’s skills.
Kenya is a very important market for IBM since it set up its first Africa research lab in Nairobi, going forward, KENET will work with IBM in fostering knowledge across varied education levels.
Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi said the program will benefit over 80 universities spread across South Sudan, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda and Kenya.
RIGHT SKILLS
“When we speak of the standard gauge railway, the, oil discoveries and ICT revolution, we need people with the right skills to tackle these markets by managing the resources,” said Kaimenyi, who hinted that the program will supplement the digital literacy project.
The government is likely to award IBM the tender for its cloud system that will host content for the much touted digital literacy program. The program was bogged down by procurement challenges, forcing President Uhuru Kenyatta to reorganise the agenda and delegate it to a multi-ministerial team.
IBM also partnered with the iHub that will see it deploy its researchers at there. This will enable software developers and start-ups to tap the expertise of IBM in fostering entrepreneurial business.
The space will also provide early stage entrepreneurs and start-ups with access to skills in cloud, big data analytics, mobile and security.
“We are both passionate about supporting and empowering the success of Africa’s entrepreneurs,” said Erik Hersman, co-founder of iHub.
The new innovation hub will be open to any of the 17,000 iHub members. IBM will also conduct monthly workshops and events to benefit developers.
