Coding reality nears as more partners support initiative

Coding for many Kenyan learners is set to become a reality as different institutions joined in the rollout of the recently approved syllabus for primary and secondary schools.

Credit Bank, Microsoft Africa and Kodris Africa on Wednesday announced a partnership that is aimed at promoting the e-learning platform that teaches students real coding language. The partnership is also expected to enable Kodris Africa rollout out its coding syllabus in other African countries.

The announcement follows approval of the Kodris Africa coding syllabus by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development issued by CEO Charles Ong’ondo on April 19, making Kenya the first country in Africa to reach this important education milestone. Kodris is also certified by Pearson which is one of the largest education institutions in the world.

"Pearson Assured is a service that independently benchmarks and verifies the training provided by various organisations and agencies around the world," said Pearson Country Sales Manager in Turkey Cem Sezer.

Microsoft Africa Development Center Programme Manager, Student and Education Engagements, Irene Githinji said the promotion of coding, which is a signature subject in the study of computer science and the digital world, is an extension of the commitment Microsoft has with Kenya’s Ministry of Education which spans over two decades.

“The Ministry of Education has made a great step in the right direction by approving a product that will enhance digital literacy among students in Kenya. We enjoin ourselves in this journey to bring this piece of education to Kenyan schools. Students who learn and understand coding have an advantage of becoming full participants – rather than merely spectating – in a heavily computerised and digitised world,” said Ms Githinji.

She added: “The beauty of understanding how digitization and connectivity works means that our children will have an opportunity to compete for job opportunities beyond boundaries without necessarily having to travel there in the world of remote working.”

In the partnership, Credit Bank becomes the first bank in Africa to support the deployment of the novel syllabus which is expected to deepen digital literacy and enhance employability among learners who study it. Bank Chief Executive Officer Betty Korir said the bank would support schools who will deploy the Kodris Africa platform as part of the bank’s commitment to deepening its social impact in the education sector.

“It is critical that this skill begins to be understood at this elementary level. We are doing this to prepare the young Kenyan citizen for the future workplace,” said Korir.

Kodris Africa CEO Mugumo Munene said the partnership would enhance digital literacy among Kenyan students.