AWS opens cloud computing skills center in University of Nairobi

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has taken a significant step in strengthening cloud computing education in Kenya by launching its first AWS Skills Center community classroom. The initiative began with a three-day training session at the University of Nairobi (UoN), where 125 first- and second-year students received practical instruction in cloud computing.

The training sessions were designed to introduce students to core cloud concepts and equip them with the knowledge necessary for pursuing careers in cloud technology. Through a series of instructor-led classes, AWS provided students with foundational insights into cloud computing, tailored to individuals without prior IT experience.

Nondumiso Zibi, AWS Director for Support Engineering in the EMEA region, emphasized the importance of this initiative in addressing the digital skills gap among young Africans.

“We are thrilled to have collaborated with the University of Nairobi to bring in-person AWS instructor-led training to Kenyan students,” she said. “Cloud computing is at the core of digital transformation, and we believe access to high-quality training is essential to unlocking career opportunities. This initiative is aligned with our long-term commitment to equipping young people with the necessary technical skills to thrive in the current global job market.”

The AWS Skills Center initiative was launched in South Africa in 2023 to provide accessible training in cloud computing for learners without technical backgrounds. The program includes virtual and face-to-face sessions, allowing a wide range of participants to gain cloud knowledge.

With the expansion into Kenya, AWS is broadening its reach in East Africa, addressing the growing need for cloud, artificial intelligence, and big data expertise.

At the University of Nairobi, faculty members welcomed the opportunity to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry demands. Professor Andrew Kahonge, Chair of the Department of Computing and Informatics, described the partnership as critical for preparing students for the digital economy.

“The future of work is digital, and our work with AWS ensures that our students gain practical, industry-relevant skills,” he said.

Professor Leonidah Kerubo, Dean of the department, also highlighted the importance of aligning education with industry standards. “We want our students to be market-ready. That’s why we are working very closely with industry players like AWS so they can fit with the current tech industry requirements,” she explained.

The AWS community classroom at UoN is intended to be more than just a short-term training program. It is part of a strategic approach by AWS to develop a local talent pipeline that is well-versed in cloud infrastructure and ready to support digital innovation across Africa.

The company’s outreach comes at a time when cloud computing has become a fundamental enabler of economic growth, helping businesses scale operations and governments improve public services.

What this means for Kenya

Kenya, often referred to as East Africa’s tech hub, is uniquely positioned to benefit from this kind of investment in digital skills. With a growing youth population and a vibrant startup ecosystem, the country has become a focal point for technology-driven development.

According to the Communications Authority of Kenya, internet penetration in the country had reached over 46 million users by the end of 2023. Yet, there remains a significant need for specialized skills in areas such as cloud engineering, data analytics, and machine learning.

AWS’s presence and investment in training initiatives are a timely response to this demand. As the digital economy evolves, organizations are increasingly seeking professionals who can manage cloud-based systems and deploy scalable solutions efficiently.

Initiatives like the AWS Skills Center not only prepare Kenyan students for future jobs but also help build a resilient tech workforce in Africa.

Kenya’s Growing Demand for Cloud Talent

The demand for cloud computing professionals in Kenya has surged in recent years as businesses and government institutions undergo digital transformation. Cloud infrastructure now underpins a wide range of services, from e-commerce and mobile banking to health informatics and digital agriculture.

This growing reliance on cloud technology has revealed a talent shortage in the sector. Local companies often struggle to find qualified personnel who understand cloud architecture, cybersecurity, and data management.

Recognizing this gap, global firms like AWS, Microsoft, and Google have begun investing in digital upskilling programs across Africa.

In 2022, Kenya’s Ministry of ICT launched the “Ajira Digital Program” aimed at preparing youth for digital job opportunities. While such initiatives are helping to bridge the skills gap, private sector efforts like AWS’s classroom training add a crucial layer of industry relevance and practical exposure.

The AWS-UoN collaboration could serve as a blueprint for similar partnerships across the continent, ensuring that students from diverse academic backgrounds can access high-quality, globally recognized technical training. As technology reshapes the labour market, empowering students with cloud expertise may prove vital for Kenya’s future economic competitiveness.

With consistent investment and collaboration between academia and industry, Kenya’s tech talent pipeline is expected to grow stronger, placing the country at the forefront of Africa’s digital transformation.