NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 3 – Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched its first AWS Skills Center community classroom in Kenya, marking a significant step in bridging Africa’s digital skills gap.
The initiative, held at the University of Nairobi (UoN), provided hands-on cloud computing training to 125 students, equipping them with foundational skills for careers in technology.
The three-day training is part of AWS’s broader strategy to develop cloud expertise in Africa. AWS Skills Centers, first introduced in South Africa in 2023, aim to provide accessible cloud training to non-technical learners. Through a combination of in-person and virtual sessions, AWS is fostering a new generation of cloud professionals.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with the University of Nairobi to bring AWS instructor-led training to Kenyan students,” said Nondumiso Zibi, AWS Director for Support Engineering, EMEA.
“Cloud computing is at the core of digital transformation, and high-quality training is essential in unlocking career opportunities.”
The University of Nairobi emphasized the importance of industry collaboration in preparing students for the job market.
Professor Andrew Kahonge, Chair of the Department of Computing and Informatics at UoN, noted that equipping students with practical skills gives them a competitive edge.
“The future of work is digital, and partnerships like these ensure our students gain industry-relevant skills,” he said.
Students who participated in the training expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities it unlocked.
Cecilia K’Owiti, a second-year computer science student, described the experience as transformative.
“I now understand the real-world applications of cloud computing and the career paths available,” she said.
AWS encouraged participants to pursue AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification and leverage AWS Educate for further learning.
As cloud adoption grows in Africa, AWS remains committed to fostering a skilled workforce to drive digital innovation across the continent.
