Scholars in the country have expressed concerns over acute shortage of Computer Science lecturers, a gap they said should be filled with immediacy to equip interested Kenyans with computation, information, and automation knowledge.
With increasing recognition of computer science as a fundamental skill and the numerous opportunities that continue to arise from the broad field, the academics rooted for increased training of trainers to accommodate the high number of students seeking to be skilled.
Among other things, the intellectuals blamed lucrative job options outside academia, increased demand for the profession to reduce the number of trainers.
Considering the critical role Computer Science plays in the contemporary world where almost everything is technologically driven, lack of the subject educators has been cited as a genuine crisis with academics now calling for training of specialists in the field to fill the gap.
Speaking at Zetech University during the launch of the varsity’s three new postgraduate programs – Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science, Master of Science in Computer Science and Master of Science in Information Technology, the scholars led by Ms. Catherine Muraga, the Managing Director of Microsoft ADC called on universities to leverage on the opportunities in the field to train more instructors.
Her sentiments were echoed by the Zetech University Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Alice Njuguna who revealed that the launch of the three new programs was informed by the scarcity alongside the opportunities in the market.
Prof. Njuguna revealed that the Kenyan market is technologically mature to come up with solutions facing the country but therein lies a gap in the number of highly trained professionals to train students.
Kiambu County Deputy Governor Rose Kirika who graced the event revealed that the local government has a major role in shaping the future of the youths through technology-driven education.
She revealed that the local government has been keen in equipping the youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the ever-evolving job market, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
The launch of three new programs sums to 22, the number of courses that Zetech University is currently offering and which have attracted more students.
Zetech University Vice Chancellor Prof. Njenga Munene revealed that the institution seeks to cultivate a new generation of researchers and scholars who will push the boundaries of knowledge and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries, with advanced technical skills and the ability to solve complex problems, preparing them for high-impact careers in academia, industry, and government.
Among the partners present during the launch event included Ms. Elder Onsongo from the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA); Prof. Wanjiku Khamasi, Principal, Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) a public institution in Konza City and Mr. Andrew Masila, the Head of Innovation at Safaricom.
Others were Mr. Amos Guni, Senior Technical Recruiter and Community Builder at Nethermind, Ms. Irene Githinji, Education and Engagements lead at Microsoft ADC; Stella Chelangat and Joy Mwangi from the International Computer Digital Literacy (ICDL) Africa among others.
