The Microsoft Africa Development Centre (ADC) has successfully graduated the second cohort of its faculty upskilling program, in partnership with Microsoft Leap. This intensive 12-week program aimed to equip Kenyan university lecturers with the latest technological advancements and bridge the gap between academia and the tech industry.
Building a Stronger Tech Talent Pipeline
With a 100% graduation rate, the program highlights Microsoft’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within the Kenyan educational landscape. “The program’s impact can be felt in lecturers’ classrooms, universities, and beyond,” said Irene Githinji, Education Engagements Lead at Microsoft ADC. She emphasized the importance of equipping faculty with the skills to prepare students for the tech-driven world and contribute to Africa’s flourishing tech industry.
Learning by Doing: AI, Software Engineering, and Project-Based Learning
The program offered a comprehensive curriculum, co-developed by Microsoft Leap instructors. Faculty members from across Kenya, representing institutions like Zetech University and Jomo Kenyatta University, participated in the program. The curriculum included:
- Teaching with AI: Reflecting the growing role of AI in various fields, the program introduced a new skillset for integrating AI into teaching methodologies.
- Software Engineering Fundamentals: Lecturers gained a deeper understanding of core software engineering principles.
- 21st-Century Learning Design: Through a project-based approach, faculty members learned modern learning design techniques and earned valuable Microsoft certifications.
The program culminated in a project competition where faculty teams applied their newfound knowledge to develop solutions combining AI, software development, and modern learning design principles. The winning team, comprised of instructors from Dedan Kimathi University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, and Zetech University, impressed the judging panel of Microsoft engineers.
Embrace Technology to Enhance Education
Peter Muturi, a graduate of the program and a programming lecturer at Multimedia University, highlighted the importance of integrating technology into teaching across all disciplines. “We learned what the industry is looking for,” he said, acknowledging the program’s impact on preparing students for the job market. Muturi emphasized the potential of AI as a collaborative tool to enhance both faculty and student productivity, rather than a threat.
This faculty upskilling program is just one piece of Microsoft ADC’s larger strategy to strengthen Kenya’s tech talent pipeline. Other initiatives include campus tours, the Game of Learners student competition, and collaborations on curriculum development for technology-related courses. Additionally, Microsoft ADC recently launched a cybersecurity skills enhancement program with Cyber Shujaa to equip students with essential cybersecurity knowledge. By investing in faculty development and student programs, Microsoft is making a significant contribution to the future of Kenya’s tech sector.
