Samsung and JKUAT Launch AI and Digital Skills Diploma Program for Kenyan Youth

Samsung Electronics East Africa has significantly expanded its digital skills development initiatives in Kenya through a partnership with Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). This collaboration aims to equip 180 students with essential artificial intelligence (AI) and digital media skills, preparing them for careers in the nation's growing digital economy. The program builds upon the Samsung Innovation Campus, established at JKUAT last year, reinforcing a commitment to fostering local tech talent.

The core of this enhanced program involves an initial cohort of 80 students embarking on a three-month learning journey. Forty students are specifically enrolled in an Artificial Intelligence diploma program, while another 40 are pursuing a diploma in Advanced Coding and Programming. A key aspect of this initiative is that participants will receive a formal diploma from JKUAT, providing academic recognition that significantly enhances the industry relevance of their training.

In addition to the diploma courses, a masterclass was held for an extra 70 students, focusing on broader digital skills. This session covered topics such as visual storytelling, content creation, and the efficient use of software tools, with insights from industry specialists and Samsung alumni. These broader workshops are designed to complement the intensive diploma programs, ensuring a wide range of digital competencies are addressed.

Dr. Lawrence Nderu, Head of JKUAT's School of Computing, emphasized the partnership's role in offering students a practical pathway into the job market, especially given AI's transformative impact on industries. This initiative aligns with Samsung's broader goal of strengthening digital literacy and promoting financial independence among Kenyan youth, thereby supporting the next generation of innovators who will shape the country's technological and economic future.

For Kenya, and the wider African continent, such strategic investments in AI and digital education are crucial for fostering domestic technological capabilities and economic resilience. By providing formal, industry-relevant training, the Samsung-JKUAT partnership directly contributes to building a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and participating competitively in the global digital landscape.