NAIROBI, Kenya, July 2–The Moringa school has had a discussion on the need for leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the future during its annual career fair that was held on Friday.
AI entails machines learning from experience and performing tasks that are similar to what human beings do. Its characteristics include face recognition, chatbots and deep learning.
The fair sought to get the viewpoint of top technology employers on what is needed in workplaces.
Speaking during the event, the Permanent Secretary for the East African Community (EAC) Kevit Desai urged the school to seize every opportunity available in the continent as the demand for technology skills is there.
“Moringa school’s recent pre-series A raise from Proparco and its plans to expand to other African countries is proof enough that Africa has a demand for tech and innovation skills. I, therefore, urge Moringa to consider leveraging opportunities beyond Kenya in our wider EAC with a population exceeding 300 million,” he stated.
This year’s fair which was done in two phases featured the participation of over 750 graduates and students from the school which has trained over 4,000 students and enjoys placing more than 85 per cent of its graduates in leading companies globally and on the continent as well.
The school’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Snehar Shah commended the vital role it plays in technology in the country and the opportunity the affair offers to its graduates.
“Moringa school was built to be the backbone of the technology ecosystem in Kenya, by providing top-quality talent to local companies,”
“We aim to develop Africa tech talent and connect our students to purposeful and significant earning opportunities whether full-time jobs, the gig economy or becoming entrepreneurs,” he added.
The event which was dubbed “Are you the right fit” has brought together various players and stakeholders in the tech world to demonstrate innovation and technology.
The first phase of the hybrid event involved the pre-hackathon introduction & workshop, ideation & selection which was run online. The second phase involved the prototype building and presentation phase which was done physically at the school.
Among the issues that were discussed during the physical phase of the fair included a focus on Big Data, the rise of blockchain and the gig economy, technopreneurship, technology in entertainment and the evolution in technology as well.
Jerome Ochieng, the Permanent Secretary for ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs acknowledged the important role work that the school is playing in terms of technology and innovation.
“As the government continues to enhance and grow the digital and ICT sector, I am very pleased that Moringa school is playing a pivotal role in providing unmatched talent within the tech space,” he said.
The career affair also birthed a strategic partnership with Little to create a minimum of 20 technology jobs for those who will graduate from the school this year.
