KENET and IBM have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that allows IBM to deliver advanced online hands-on certification courses to faculty and students of participating universities over KENET’s broadband network. These certification courses aim to develop and/or enhance entry-level job skills among university students and shall be facilitated by both IBM online trainers and certified faculty in the participating universities. KENET is the first sub-Saharan National Research and Education Network to sign such MoU with IBM that allows ALL connected member universities to benefit from the certification program.

This program addresses two national and global crisis, namely, unemployment or underemployment among ICT and engineering graduates and the critical entry-level skills shortage. Initially, IBM shall offer modules in Mobile Applications specialist, Cyber security, and Business Analytics that are in high demand in industry and government all over Africa. The courses are 80% hands-on with required e-books and other reading materials.

Students just need an entry-level laptop and Internet connection from the lab setup at the university campus (access to the IBM Cloud lab only from university campus labs). The courses can be taken by senior computer science, information systems, engineering, or business students. The fees for the courses and subsequent certification have been waived for the participating universities. The contact person at IBM is John Matogo, the University outreach lead (jbmatogo@ke.ibm.com) and Nelisa Mwongera (nmwongera@kenet.or.ke), the Community Relations at KENET.

Global IT companies operating in Africa are looking for cost-effective ways to address the issue critical ICT skills shortage and KENET is an attractive partner. We shall continue exploring opportunities that benefit your students, faculty and to reduce the total cost of operating of universities using appropriate information systems.