- Vice chancellor Prof Njenga Munene said organisations are in constant demand for a tech-savvy workforce.
- He said the digital era continues to rapidly evolve, citing the emergence of digital governments, economies,currencies and societies.
Image: JOHN KAMAU
Zetech University has invested heavily in information technology programmes to fix the skill gaps in the job market.
Its incubation hub seeks to exploit innovation and technology as an enabler of job creation.
Vice chancellor Prof Njenga Munene said the world has embraced technology and organisations are in constant demand for a tech-savvy workforce that adds value to the market.
He spoke during the university's seventh graduation ceremony in Mang’u, Juja subcounty, Kiambu. The graduation was graced by Microsoft development CEO Catherine Muraga, chancellor Prof Susan Alfano, chairman Ken Mbiuki and the university council chairman Mohammed Hassan, among other guests.
“Shortage of critical tech skills in the region is constraining local businesses and slowing economic growth. Individuals and companies must keep up with the technological disruptions, trends, problems, and opportunities to make better and sustainable career, commercial, and institutional decisions,” Munene said.
He said the digital era continues to rapidly evolve, citing the emergence of digital governments, economies,currencies and societies.
“All these must leverage technology to effect transformation and impact health, transport, urban living, government services, climate change, environmental conservation, access to education and economic opportunities, among other societal needs.”
A recent report by Google and the International Finance Corporation shows that of the estimated 690,000 software developers in Africa, approximately 60,000 are from Kenya.
The VC pointed out that this means that Kenya accounts for about nine per cent of the software developers in the continent. The report ranks South Africa at the top with 120,000 software developers while Kenya falls in fifth place.
“Our country has witnessed a wave of global technology giants such as Microsoft and Google plunging to set up tech development centres in the country, and it is no brainer that Kenya is on the journey to becoming East Africa's technology hub,” he said.
He said the emerging technology trends form the foundations of all the programmes offered at Zetech University, which include Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Applied Physics, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics, Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Bachelor of Business Information Technology and Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering.
Other courses driven by technology include diplomas in computer science, IT, electrical and electronics engineering, and software engineering.
“To support the delivery of these progressive programmes, the university has invested in modern computer laboratories, training software, engineering workshops, an e-library and a highly qualified and experienced faculty that is equipped with both academic and industrial exposure,” he said.
Additionally, the VC said students participate in boot camps, hackathons, both local and international apprenticeships and get mentorship through the university’s innovation and entrepreneurship hub, iZet.
"This not only enhances their employability but also nurtures an entrepreneurial culture among the students and faculty. Students also get opportunities to take part in exhibitions where they showcase their projects, learn from peers and receive mentorship on the commercialisation of their innovations,” Munene said.