At Kenyatta University, purposeful partnerships continue to create pathways through which young people can acquire practical skills, explore innovation and prepare for opportunities in a rapidly changing digital economy. This vision took shape with the launch of the first cohort of the KOOD Nairobi programme, an initiative designed to equip young people with practical digital competencies, foster innovation and prepare them for careers in software development.
Hosted by the School of Education and Lifelong Learning, the programme brought together Kenyatta University, Estonian partners and private-sector stakeholders. Prof. Lucy Maina, OGW represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. John Okumu and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Outreach), Prof. Caroline Thoruwa, represented by Prof. Lucy Maina. The launch also brought together Estonian Ambassador to Kenya, Mr. Daniel Erik Schaer, Head of Products @ M-PESA Africa , Mr. Jason Masai, Executive Dean, School of Education and Lifelong Learning, Prof. Samson R. Ondigi, represented by Dr. Florence Itegi , the KOOD Nairobi team and other stakeholders.
More than 800 applicants expressed interest in the program, with a rigorous selection process identifying 54 learners for the inaugural cohort. The process was coordinated by Dr. Francis Likoye, Project Lead, in collaboration with Estonian partners and resident tutors.
KOOD Nairobi will run for approximately 12 to 15 months through a self-directed and peer-to-peer learning model hosted on a cloud-based platform. Rather than relying on traditional lectures, learners will undertake approximately 80 per cent teamwork and 20 per cent individual work, allowing them to develop technical competencies alongside collaboration and problem-solving skills.
The programme will begin with a three-week Selection Sprint, comprising two weeks on-site and one week remotely, with 1,144 academic hours in programming fundamentals and application development. The Kenya–Estonia partnership provides an avenue for sharing knowledge and experience in digital talent development. Amb. Mr. Daniel Erik Schaer encouraged the cohort, stating, “If you don’t take a training meant for you, someone else will.”
Mr. Jason Masai, Head of Products @ M-PESA Africa, urged learners to remain curious, build consistently and complete what they start.
For Kenyatta University, KOOD Nairobi Training Programme represents a commitment to innovative education that transforms digital skills into practical capability, employability and opportunities for meaningful contribution to society.