Open University of Kenya is targeting to train at least 200 artificial intelligence (AI) students in the country annually beginning September this year.
The university has entered into a partnership with Australian technology firm, BCS Technology where students will be equipped with AI development skills in what is expected to help Kenya build capacity in the space as well as expand employment opportunities.
“The whole objective of being here is to assist with AI development in the country and to assist with the import of work from Europe to Kenya,” said Howard Hillesbrand, Founder of BCS Technology
He added, “Kenya has more talent per capita in any Sub-Saharan African country other than Nigeria.”
Through the partnership, student will undergo an eight week course where they will be equipped
“The first 100 applicants and those who will do very well, we already have opportunities for job placement. All learning will happen online and we have well established systems and well established learner support opportunity services and so the learners will be able to go through the learning very comfortable,” said Prof. Carolyne Omulando, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs.
Prof Mulanda said the partnership will run for a period of five years where different cohorts will join the programme which begins next month.
The 8 weeks training will involve four weeks of virtual lessons and another four weeks of hands on training.
“After that there will be a hackathon. That again is a hands on. So the projects will be given and students will have to chose them and there will have to build a product and the best project will be selected and they will be offered certificate as well as internship opportunities,” said Dr Velmanickam Logeeshan from BCS Technology.
The training will see students learn how to build and deploy AI solutions, including Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Copilot.
