Kenyans can now apply for online data science and data engineering courses at EXPLORE Data Science Academy

Explore Data Science

EXPLORE Data Science Academy (EDSA) has opened applications in Kenya for its 6- and 12-month online data science and data engineering courses, which start on July 12, 2021.  Ambitious, hard-working, and talented people now have the opportunity to kick-start their careers in one of the most in-demand professions in the modern digital business environment.

The July courses open for applications are:

  • EDSA’s flagship Data Science course, where students uncover the magic of how data can be used to solve difficult problems in any context.
  • Data Engineering: where students learn how to store, move, process and manage the powerful data platforms that run large enterprises.

Shaun Dippnall, CEO of EDSA, says, “There is a growing disconnect between the demand for data scientists and supply entering the market.  Data from QuantHub indicates that internationally there was a shortage of about 250,000 data science professionals in 2020.  Our understanding of the situation in Kenya suggests that the situation is similar there.”

A report by Standard Bank in November 2020, said, “There is a massive opportunity for Africa, given its young population, to skill its people appropriately for the future.  In particular, there is a high demand for data science capability.”

This sentiment is echoed by a World Bank report on Africa that said there is a need for “reforms that address digital infrastructure gaps and make the digital economy more inclusive, ensuring affordability but also building skills for all segments of society.  These are critical to improve connectivity, boost digital technology adoption and generate more and better jobs for men and women.”

Dippnall continues, “The need for data science capabilities in Kenya is expected to increase significantly in line with economic growth.  The World Bank reports that, from 2015-2019, Kenya’s growth averaged 5.7% a year, making it one of the fastest growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa.  Although the COVID-19 shock hit Kenya’s economy in 2020, growth in 2021 is projected to be 7.6%.  Logically, the banking sector is in need of data science capabilities.  The country has a large and sophisticated banking infrastructure but a 2020 Central Bank of Kenya Banking Sector Innovation Survey reported that Application Programming Interfaces, Big Data, Data Analytics and Cloud Computing remain the major innovations considered important by financial institutions.”

Online advantage

Online learning offers students specific advantages.  “Our online courses are designed and presented by world-class specialists.   Students can study in non-working hours and their regular jobs need not be interrupted.  Typical courses need about 10 hours of work per week,” explains Dippnall.

EDSA has also found that successful data science students come from a variety of backgrounds beyond mathematics and statistics.  Graduates from the arts, sciences and humanities are now successfully switching careers after taking a data science course.

Employment possibilities

Employment possibilities post-study for successful Kenyan graduates are expected to be excellent.  Dippnall explains, “The success of our full-time courses have been phenomenal and in South Africa we have a 95% placement rate after graduation.  Our courses are designed to be practical and deal with real world problems in business.  Modern businesses are awash with data and organizations from a variety of fields are unlocking the power of big data and using this to drive strategy and competitiveness.”

Why not apply?

Dippnall concludes, “EDSA’s courses are well-suited to both African businesses and African students.  We cut our teeth in an African country with its particular demands and challenges.  We are now rolling out our courses across the continent to countries with vibrant economies that need to leapfrog into the world economy, which demands a capability to unlock the vast stores of value hidden in companies’ data banks.  My suggestion to anyone interested in a brilliant new career is this: apply now – after all, what have you got to lose?”

Interested candidates can register before July 12, at www.explore-datascience.net.

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