Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

The Microsoft Africa Development Centre (ADC) and Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Department of Computing have completed a review of the university’s Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Bachelor of Computer Technology curriculum to make them more relevant to industry demands.  

The new curriculum will impact the delivery of 128 units within the university’s Computer Science and Computer Technology courses. The curriculum is expected to come into effect in time for the September 2023 students’ intake.

Curriculum review process is part of the ADC’s larger goal of catalysing digital transformation by providing opportunities for skill and practical knowledge acquisition to equip Kenyans to be competitive in the digital landscape.

The updated curriculum will assist in preparing students for the demands of a rapidly changing technology industry by emphasizing practical skill development and simulating real-world experience within the classroom. The reviewed curriculum will also introduce new and innovative concepts as well as industry-standard tools at the education level to improve student’s familiarity with them as they enter the workplace.

Microsoft ADC managing director Catherine Muraga said: “We are delighted to have partnered with JKUAT  in the curriculum review process and have our experts contribute specialized knowledge that will allow for tech industry-ready students and use of improved standards of teaching.  

As part of the national digitization agenda, the government launched the Kenya National Digital Master Plan last year to direct the country’s digital growth trajectory. One of the critical pillars of the master plan is improvement of digital skills by building the capacity of at least 10,000 ICT professionals with high-level skills.

“The review process has been extensive, with invaluable insights and recommendations from experienced industry experts that will add significant value to classroom instruction. We look forward to providing our students with best-in-class education that integrates practical skills building and theoretical understanding as they prepare for success in the technology industry,” said Dr Lawrence Nderu, Chairman, Department of Computing at JKUAT.