Blog - @iLabAfrica

22Apr 2024 by Paul No Comments

Empowering Education: Inside the GLC HP Strathmore Hackathon

GLC HP STRATHMORE HACKATHON Did you know that in 2024, almost 1.13 million primary school children in Kenya aged 6 to 13 years old have dropped out of school, according to a recent survey? This alarming statistic highlights a range of challenges hindering access to education, including limited internet access, parental reservations about education, nomadic lifestyles, and financial barriers to school fees. Globally, approximately 5% of children are out of school, while many enrolled students struggle to meet educational standards. Disparities in access to quality education persist, particularly in underserved communities, as highlighted by a report from Usawa, a non-governmental organisation. In response to these challenges, the Global Learning Council (GLC), HP, and @iBizAfrica-Strathmore University have united to launch the GLC HP Strathmore Hackathon. This collaborative initiative aims to merge…

28Mar 2024 by Paul No Comments

Strathmore University Graduate Trainees in AI Capacity Building Program

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence Capacity Building Program graduates pose for a photo. Nairobi. @iLabAfrica-Strathmore University recently graduated its first cohort of The Artificial Intelligence Capacity Building Program. The program, in collaboration with GIZ Kenya, was aimed at enhancing Artificial Intelligence expertise in Kenya. Participants underwent extensive training on various aspects of Artificial Intelligence since April 2023. The training encompassed various fields such as FinTech, Justice, Agriculture, Energy, and the Ethical Use of AI.A representative from the German Embassy in Kenya pointed out the vitality of the training program citing, “Working towards a more open, inclusive, & sustainable approach to AI on a global scale, we aim to enhance the conditions for local AI development in its partner countries: Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, and Uganda.” AI plays a pivotal role…

28Mar 2024 by Paul No Comments

@iLabAfrica Training Prospective Individuals in the Field of Software Development

Executive Education, Software Development

The software development industry is one of the fastest-growing industries of our time. As the demand for technology and automated services grows, so does the need for high-quality software developers. Despite the high demand for software developers, there is a shortage of individuals with the necessary expertise to fill these roles. Recognizing this critical gap, @iLabAfrica-Strathmore University is committed to addressing this shortage by offering a top-tier training program in Software Development. The Software Development course aims to bridge this gap by providing comprehensive training that equips students with the necessary skills for success in the industry. @iLabAfrica-Strathmore University has assembled a team of experienced instructors who are industry professionals and has designed a curriculum that covers the latest technologies and best practices in software engineering. This course is geared…

28Mar 2024 by Paul No Comments

@iLabAfrica Kicks off the Certificate in Data Analytics and Visualization

Data Science

Data Analytics and Visualization students during a class. Nairobi. The Certificate in Data Analytics and Visualization is a specialized training program offered by @iLabAfrica-Strathmore University. It is designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge required to analyze large datasets, derive actionable insights, and communicate findings effectively through data visualization. The demand for data analytics and visualization professionals is on the rise, driven by the exponential growth of data across various sectors including finance, healthcare, marketing, and technology. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of data-driven decision-making and are seeking skilled professionals who can extract meaningful insights from data to drive business outcomes. Despite the growing demand for data analytics and visualization skills, there is a market deficit of individuals with the requisite expertise to fill these roles. Organizations…

15Mar 2024 by Paul No Comments

Pioneering Orthopedic Innovation with Amek Manufacturing

Innovation & Incubation

Mercy Kilonzo, a second-year student studying Financial Economics at Strathmore University, envisions making waves in the healthcare industry with her startup idea, Amek Manufacturing. As one of the top 20 student startups selected for the DDQIC Jim Leech Mastercard Foundation Fellowship Program: Strathmore Chapter, Mercy's journey is not just about entrepreneurship; it's about conceptualizing a transformative idea that could reshape the future of healthcare. "I've always had a passion for finding solutions to real-world problems," Mercy shares. "When I learnt about the shortage of affordable orthopedic implants in our country, I knew I had to do something about it." Influenced by both parents in the medical industry and her desire to make a difference, Mercy conceived the idea of Amek Manufacturing, aimed at locally producing orthopedic implants, screws, and plates…

29Feb 2024 by Paul No Comments

Empowering Smallholder Farmers Through IoT and AI

IoT & Wireless Networks

The plight of smallholder farmers in Kenya is significant, with more than 70% of the farming population falling into this category. These farmers are the backbone of the nation's food supply. Yet, they face myriad challenges, including unpredictable weather patterns, inadequate access to essential information, and limited resources to mitigate the impacts of climate change. In the heart of Kenya, smallholder farmers (SHFs) play a significant role in ensuring the nation’s food security. However, they face a profound challenge due to the adverse impacts of climate change and the lack of access to localized data, severely hindering their productivity and resilience. Nonetheless, a beacon of hope emerges through innovative technologies: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies hold immense potential to revolutionize agricultural practices and empower…

29Feb 2024 by Paul 2 Comments

Strathmore University & Absa Bank Financial Innovation Program Trainees Graduate

Data Science

SUAFI program graduates pose for a celebratory photo. Nairobi. The Strathmore University-Absa Financial Innovation (SUAFI) Program celebrated its first COHORT of graduates from the program. The partnership between @iLabAfrica-Strathmore University and ABSA Bank Limited oversaw the graduation of 105 ABSA Bank employees from the SUAFI program. The selected trainees, chosen from 500 applicants, were required to complete a mandatory Agile and Scrum Methodology course before specialising in their respective fields of deployment. The engaging training programme, which started in April 2023, got the trainees embarking on courses in Cybersecurity, Data Science, Business Intelligence, and DevOps & Automation. Dr Joseph Sevilla, Director of @iLabAfrica Research and Innovation Centre, cited the importance of the program, noting, “As a research centre of excellence in ICT innovation and development, we are proud to be…

27Feb 2024 by Paul No Comments

Empowering African Youth Through Entrepreneurship.

Innovation & Incubation

The Dunin Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre Strathmore Chapter Program Launch recently marked a significant milestone in Africa's entrepreneurial landscape, bringing together key stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and the entrepreneurial spirit. This initiative, in partnership with iBizAfrica, Strathmore University, and Dunin Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre (DDQIC), exemplified the power of universities and industries working hand in hand to foster entrepreneurship. A Photo of The DDQIC Top 20. Strathmore, Nairobi. The event served as a platform for attendees to gain invaluable insights and inspiration from those involved and a past program participant. Notable speakers included Oliver Omondi, the founder of ZuriPacks and a past program participant, who shared his journey and experiences in entrepreneurship. Dr. Joseph Sevilla, the Director of @iLabAfrica, passionately emphasized the urgency of empowering Africa's…

20Feb 2024 by Paul No Comments

@iLabAfrica-Strathmore University Meeting Demand in Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity

In an era of unprecedented digital advancements and interconnectedness, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been more critical. As cyber threats continue to evolve in complexity and frequency, organizations and individuals face an uphill task of protecting their sensitive data and digital assets from malicious attacks. Cybersecurity is of utmost importance in our digitally connected world. As our reliance on technology continues to grow, so do the threats posed by cybercriminals and malicious actors. Cybersecurity plays a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive information, such as personal data and financial records, from falling into the wrong hands. @iLabAfrica-Strathmore University offers an Intermediate Certificate in Penetration Testing which is a comprehensive training program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess the security posture of computer…

16Jan 2024 by Paul No Comments

A Blueprint for Enhanced Customer Experience in Financial Institutions.

Data Science

How can financial institutions ensure inclusivity, digital transformation, and analytics in their operations for an enhanced customer experience? This was the first topic of the first panel discussion at the 2nd annual Global Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (GDSAI) summit hosted by @iLabAfrica-Strathmore University last year The panel, featured Hartnell Ndungi, Chief Data Officer at Absa Bank Kenya; Ezekiel Macharia, CEO at Kenbright Holdings; and Satyajit Turumella, IT Advisory Director at Grant Thornton Advisory East Africa, explored the transformative impact of digital technologies on financial services. Digital transformation is revolutionizing the landscape of financial services, reshaping customer acquisition, improving client satisfaction, and simplifying banking procedures. In the pre-revolution era, customers heavily depended on face-to-face interactions with bank staff, making processes such as opening accounts, conducting transactions, and accessing financial services…