AI program on job placements for top performing students

Thousands of students are going to benefit from the digital revolution and gaining digital skills and gain jobs through the Open University of Kenya (OUK) Artificial Intelligence (AI) training program. 

This is through a partnership with global software firm Founder British Computer Society (BCS) Technology Limited, the university announced that the first 100 top-performing students in its AI program will be guaranteed job placements locally and internationally.

The courses to be delivered online over several months are aimed at addressing the country’s demands for tech expertise as many industries embrace AI. The university says the initiative is going to equip learners and professionals with practical skills for the job market and strengthen kenyas space in the digital economy.

This comes at a time when the global demand for AI expertise accelerates, this initiative is designed as a career launchpad for Kenyan youth.

The program is expected to kicks off in next month and will be delivered fully online, ensuring flexibility, affordability, and accessibility for students across Kenya and the wider region.

The deal was formalized in Nairobi through a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions.

Prof. Carolyne Omulando, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Affairs said the initiative is expected to train thousands of young people, equipping them with market-ready AI skills while positioning Kenya as a regional hub for digital innovation.

“This is a momentous time for the Open University of Kenya. We are not just offering training we are offering a future. The collaboration with BCS ensures that our students get both world-class content and a clear pathway to employment,” Prof. Omulando said.

The OUK-BCS flood ship program is designed with accessibility and practical training at its core. Students will undergo eight weeks of classes, followed by four weeks of intensive labs and a hackathon.

Unlike many high-tech programs, only basic computer skills are required to enroll, opening the opportunity to a broad pool of learners.

Participants will learn how to build and deploy cutting-edge AI solutions, including Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT.

The training will be guided by international AI experts from Australia, Sri Lanka, and other regions, giving learners direct exposure to global best practices.

Most notably, the top 100 successful graduates will be absorbed into job placements facilitated by BCS Technology providing an immediate transition from classroom to career.

Prof. Omulando termed the course as a game changer noting that the graduates will walk straight into the job market equipped to make an impact.

“Employers increasingly want graduates who are work-ready, and the OUK-BCS program ensures that participants leave with both the skills and the jobs to apply them,” she added.

Speaking at the MoU signing, BCS Technology founder Howard Hillesbrand praised Kenya’s growing tech potential in innovation and technology advancement.
“Kenya has some of the brightest young minds in Africa. Through this program, we want to equip students with practical AI skills and connect them to global opportunities,”Hillesbrand said.