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For Mercy, stepping into a field as complex as cybersecurity was daunting at first. But she quickly realized how critical it was in today's digital world.
"There are so many security breaches happening, and businesses need experts to safeguard their data. This program prepared us to be part of the solution," she explains.
Beyond cybersecurity, the bootcamp also focused on data analytics, a field that has become indispensable across industries.
"Every sector, from finance to healthcare to media, relies on data. Understanding how to analyze and interpret it is a game-changer," Mercy adds.
Her experience at FabLab Winam was far from just theoretical. The hands-on approach ensured that participants could immediately apply what they learned. Many, including Mercy, were able to secure jobs even before completing the course.
"For most of us, university gave us theory. But this program gave us skills we could use immediately. Some of my colleagues already have jobs, while others are now so skilled that recruiters are looking for them rather than the other way around," she says.
According to Martin Oloo, CEO of FabLab Winam, the program was designed to bridge the gap between education and employment.
"We had 1,047 applicants, selected 63, and achieved a 100% completion rate. Forty-four of our graduates have already been attached to various workplaces, with some securing full-time jobs," he reveals.
The demand for cybersecurity and data analytics expertise is at an all-time high as businesses grapple with increasing cyber threats and the need for data-driven decision-making.
He further emphasized the significance of digital skills in economic development, stating, "The digital space is a critical enabler of industries. That's why the government, in partnership with stakeholders, continues to invest in equipping the youth with these competencies."
For Mercy, the journey has only just begun. She encourages her peers to embrace digital skills, emphasizing their role in shaping the future.
"In the next 10 to 20 years, if you don't have a digital skill, it will be hard to compete in the job market. Cybersecurity and data analytics open doors across industries. This is just the beginning, and I urge my fellow graduates to keep learning because technology is always evolving," she concludes.
With programs like the KIEP-SKIES Bootcamp, young Kenyans like Mercy Bodo are not just adapting to the digital age-they are leading it.