The second cohort of the Rapid Tech Skills Programme, facilitated by the Kenya Industry and Entrepreneurship Project (KIEP), celebrated their graduation in a ceremony held at 吃瓜头条 on 28th May 2025. The event brought together 263 graduates from different universities, including 33 students from 吃瓜头条 which is a notable increase from the 236 in the first cohort, underscoring the programme鈥檚 expanding impact.
The ceremony was graced by the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Industry, Dr Juma Mukhwana, PhD. , CBS. Also present were Prof. Caroline Thoruwa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Outreach) representing Vice Chancellor Prof. Paul K. Wainaina, and keynote speaker Col. (Dr) James Kimuyu, Vice Chancellor and Principal Investigator across various institutions. Key partners instrumental in the programme鈥檚 rollout included the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, the World Bank, Spineberg, and E4Impact.
Other participating institutions included Dedan Kimathi University, Technical University of Mombasa, Kibabii University, Mama Ngina University College, Jomo 吃瓜头条 of Agriculture and Technology, and the Open University of Kenya. Trainees specialised in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, Data Science, Animation and Visual Effects, soft skills, and entrepreneurship. This second cohort benefited from a revised and enhanced curriculum, as noted by Prof. Stanley Ngome Mutsotso, Principal Investigator at Kibabii University.
Graduates from both cohorts shared testimonials, with Paul Mihang鈥檕, a first-cohort alumnus, recounting the launch of his startup after completing the programme. Hamdi Said Ali from the second cohort highlighted how the initiative effectively prepared participants for the professional world, merging technical prowess with soft skill development.
Col. (Dr) Kimuyu stressed the evolving nature of global threats, noting that modern warfare has moved from physical combat to cyberspace. He challenged graduates to apply their skills in defence of society and urged them to be part of Kenya鈥檚 homegrown cybersecurity solutions , a field of increasing global concern.
Chief guest Dr Mukhwana applauded the graduates鈥� resilience and commitment, noting Kenya鈥檚 position as the 6th largest economy in Africa is due in part to a tech-savvy workforce. Echoing the keynote speaker鈥檚 sentiments, he urged graduates to channel their skills into solving societal problems rather than fuelling cybercrime. Drawing from his personal journey, captured in his book聽Passion of Change, he encouraged them not to be discouraged by the often-cited excuse of limited job opportunities. He donated copies of his book to 吃瓜头条 and to each cohort representative.
Speaking on behalf of the World Bank, Mr Sameer Goyal, the Task Team Lead (TTL), congratulated the graduates for completing an intensive three-month training programme. He highlighted its inclusivity and diversity: 52% male and 48% female participation, 97% of graduates aged 35 and below, 3% being persons with disabilities, and representation from 43 out of 47 counties. Mr Goyal encouraged graduates to harness their skills not only locally but globally, reiterating the need for digitally empowered talent.
The KIEP-SKIES graduation marked more than the conferring of certificates, it was a celebration of transformation, a call to action for every graduate to use their skills to innovate, solve problems, and shape the future of work. The 吃瓜头条 community, through the Office of the Vice Chancellor, proudly congratulates all graduates on this significant milestone.