The Kenya ICT Board has partnered with the Carnegie Mellon University to introduce a certification program that will offer credential examination for software developers in Kenya.

The program, dubbed ‘Chipuka’, is designed to examine the skills of software developers in a more holistic and relevant manner than existing programs, according to the Board.

“Others certify competence for only certain software environments or only a certain vendor’s tool set. Chipuka will be the first authentic examination that would be attuned to the needs of the industry in general and incorporate a broad selection of professional tools.”

The certification program is one of the solutions the ICT Board has lined up to address the software skills gap in the country.

A study carried out in 2011 by the Kenya ICT Board and IDC, revealed the skills gap in spite of the high demand for software development. The study revealed few companies source these skills locally.

“In order to spur innovation in ICT, we need our youth to be equipped with marketable skills,” says Dr. Bitange Ndemo, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Information and Communications, “This certification will help us market our talent and grow the job market for young developers.”

A pilot exam will be ready by March 2013 while the certification should be fully operational in Kenya by October 2013.