Twenty-four lecturers from various universities across Kenya have successfully graduated from the Microsoft Africa Development Centre’s (ADC) intensive upskilling programme. Conducted in partnership with Microsoft Leap, the 12-week programme immersed participants in advanced technological training to enhance their understanding of key technical concepts.

Rigorous Training and Practical Projects

During the programme, faculty members underwent rigorous training that encompassed AI advancements, software engineering principles, and modern learning designs. They engaged in project-based learning, tackling assignments that simulated real-world developer team environments. This approach aimed to deepen their practical insights into software development operations and artificial intelligence applications.

Project Competition and Graduation

The culmination of the programme was marked by a project competition, where lecturers were tasked with developing innovative solutions integrating AI and software engineering principles. Irene Githinji, Education Engagements Lead at Microsoft ADC, expressed satisfaction with the graduation of all participants, emphasizing the programme’s role in enhancing faculty skills crucial for teaching and research in the era of AI.

Educational Impact and Future Goals

Yolanda Natal-Santos, Director of Microsoft Leap, highlighted the programme’s dual impact of advancing individual careers and strengthening educational institutions. She underscored the importance of equipping lecturers with AI teaching skills and modern learning approaches to keep pace with digital advancements.

Collaborative Efforts and Institutional Participation

The programme drew lecturers from prominent institutions such as Zetech University, Kabarak University, Multimedia University, Jomo Kenyatta University, St Pauls University, Strathmore University, USIU, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, and Meru University. This collaborative effort underscores Microsoft ADC’s commitment to building a robust tech talent pipeline across Africa.

Continued Initiatives and Future Prospects

Beyond this programme, Microsoft ADC continues its mission to bolster the tech talent ecosystem through various initiatives, including cybersecurity skills enhancement and curriculum reviews for technology-related courses in universities. These efforts aim to empower both students and educators to thrive in an increasingly digital world.