‘Irrespective of the career or degree you will take, it is important to understand how to harness information from data.’-Dr. John Olukuru. (Photo : Kevin Ngumu)
The global big data analytics market is experiencing rapid growth, rising from a valuation of USD 307.51 billion in 2023 to a projected USD 348.21 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 924.39 billion by 2032, according to Fortune Business. As organizations increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, the demand for skilled data officers has doubled. To bridge this gap, @iLabAfrica’s Data Science department launched the 2025 Certificate in Data Analytics and Visualization (CDAV) program with its first-ever orientation, led by Dr. John Olukuru, Head of Data Science and Analytics, aimed to equip students with essential digital literacy skills while fostering engagement among students, faculty, and industry peers.
The session brought together a diverse group of participants, including recent KCSE graduates, research scholars, career changers, and university finalists, fostering a dynamic and interactive learning environment. Recognizing this diversity, Dr. Olukuru tailored his talk to their career aspirations, using real-world examples to showcase the transformative power of data across industries such as agriculture, marketing, and tourism. “Data is the greatest asset today. It is everywhere,” he emphasized, urging students to cultivate a habit of questioning data why it exists in its current form and the story it tells—especially when it drives critical decision-making.
The session explored the acronym T.A.S.K.S. (talent, ability, skills, knowledge), emphasizing how each individual possesses a unique ability that sets them apart and how to harness it in the vast field of data science.
Dr.Olukuru breaking down the different levels of data breakdown
‘‘Start where you are, use what you have, and do what you can.’ He further encouraged the students to use the CDAV course as a stepping stone to greater heights: ‘CDAV is just the beginning; continuous learning is key to staying relevant in the industry.’’
During his talk he underscored the importance protecting individuals’ identities through data anonymization to ensure sensitive information does not fall into the wrong hands.”This is where we are falling behind as a country,” he noted. “It is a weak spot. Be the change in the system.”
In an era driven by data, The two-month course provides a strong foundation in Data Science, equipping learners with the skills to transform raw data into meaningful insights. The ability to analyze and visualize information effectively is an invaluable skill. The CDAV course equips students with technical expertise and instills a sense of responsibility in ethical data handling. As data continues to shape industries and decision-making, those who invest in these skills will be at the forefront of innovation.
If you’re ready to harness the power of data and drive impactful change, don’t miss the opportunity to enroll in the next CDAV intake. Take the next step in your data journey today!https://ilabafrica.strathmore.edu/certificate-in-data-analytics-visualization-cdav/
By Ajuna Lindah