Best practice training and certification in Kenya: the backbone for digital transformation
The digital transformation of Kenya is driving increased demand for training and development in international IT and business best practices.
This has led to growth for accredited training organisations, operating both in Kenya itself and in neighbouring countries.
Computer Learning Centre (CLC AFRICA), based in Nairobi and a PeopleCert Accredited Training Organisation (ATO) for the past four years, delivers training in ITIL and PRINCE2 to support the expanding need for business and IT service management skills.
Aunally Maloo, CEO at CLC, said: “Demand for training is growing exponentially. With the government’s plan for digital transformation of services, this automatically brings demand for IT and business courses.
“Previously, people may have had a basic knowledge of computing concepts and software such as MS Office but there was no structured approach to service delivery and project management. This is why more and more companies are sending their managers for ITIL and PRINCE2 training.”
Skills and career development via ITIL and PRINCE2
Many job roles in customer service and service delivery in Kenya are now making ITIL and PRINCE2 certifications a prerequisite for applicants, especially for multi-national organisations operating in the country. For example, the United Nations in Kenya is providing best practice training and certification to both local staff and those working elsewhere in the world via virtual learning.
Maloo added: “Today, training to Foundation level in ITIL and PRINCE2 is a benchmark for being effective in your role. Achieving Practitioner level in PRINCE2 and Managing Professional or Strategic Leader levels in ITIL helps candidates advance further in their careers.”
Kenya – an “exemplar” of digital transformation
The US-based Digital Impact Alliance, in its report – A reflection on Kenya’s 20-year Digital Transformation Journey – calls the country “the first exemplar of national digital transformation” because of its “comprehensive digital transformation relative to other countries across Africa and its promising outlook”.
This has happened through various factors: investment in digital skills at primary and secondary school levels, along with a national digital literacy programme; rural electrification to support digital devices plus a wider infrastructure for digital connectivity, including a fibre network and an improved 4G network. Improved internet connectivity has helped the Kenyan government to digitise e- citizen services and multi-national companies to deliver services and delivery logistics through online applications.
Meanwhile, increased 4G mobile penetration is creating an opportunity for rural communities to benefit from smartphones and associated digital services.
For example, digital transformation has optimised the world of traditional, open-air markets in the country. Both food and clothing markets – home to numerous small trading businesses – are benefiting from digitally-enabled wireless hotspots and online payment platforms.
Aunally Maloo explains: “This is bringing market traders and their customers closer together. Just like going to an online shop, traders can show photos through online applications of the goods they’re selling and give consumers the chance to choose and reserve products before they come to the market in person.”
Business and IT training – Kenya and beyond
With PeopleCert’s support for CLC events in Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia – but also with expansion plans for central African countries including Zambia, Mozambique and Malawi – Aunally Maloo is “very optimistic” about meeting the growing appetite for business and IT training in 2023.