Microsoft and the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will see up to 300,000 teachers in Kenya acquire ICT skills
The proposed areas of training will include Microsoft Technologies, Microsoft Teach with Technology courseware and accreditation as Microsoft Certified Educators.
“Collaborating with partners such as Microsoft will help us fast-track the development of local ICT skills, empowering working professionals, and providing access to broadband and promoting small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya,” said Joseph Tampati, Kenya’s principal secretary, and Ministry of Information Communication & Technology (ICT).
Building local ICT capacity forms an important part of the Kenya’s Vision 2030 that will see the country move from a labour-based to a middle-income, knowledge-based economy.
Microsoft also intends to support government officials with ICT policy training, helping them to integrate ICT into their programmes.
“Investing in Africa’s skills for both entrepreneurship and employability is key in helping Africans find and create jobs to promote inclusive economic growth and we look forward to working with the ICT Authority,” said Ali Faramawy, corporate vice president, and Microsoft Middle East & Africa.
Microsoft recently launched the Biz4Afrika portal for Kenyan SMEs, which is expected to improve access to information and business resources. This is designed to enable a sustainable and connected business community of entrepreneurs that will have an impact on job creation, global competitiveness and wealth creation in the long-term.
Mwangi Mumero
