Kenyans to get share of Sh70b from Microsoft
By Benson Kathuri
Kenya is among 14 African countries that will benefit from a Sh70 billion Microsoft sponsored programme.
Microsoft’s chairman for Africa, Dr Cheick Diarra, said the Unlimited Potential (UP) programme would mainly target the youth.
"Microsoft has made a five-year $1 billion commitment to UP and other programmes meant to bridge the digital divide," said Diarra during a news conference in Nairobi.
"Through UP, Microsoft, the Government, Non-Governmental Organisations and private sector institutions can empower the youth and adults through training in software, entrepreneurial and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills."
Diarra said ICT provides the most effective tool to fight unemployment that is facing many youths.
He said hundreds of young people have been able to join the giant ICT Company associated with US billionaire, Mr Bill Gates and are working in many countries across Africa and Asia.
Diarra would be meeting senior Governmental officials and key private sector players to build a public-private partnership in the sector.
He said computer skills offered in the country do not meet the specific market demand and hence, the youth were unable to secure jobs available in the sector.
"Through such partnership, specific skills in areas like telecommunications, software and services can be developed," said Diarra.
Last year, the company launched its Kiswahili localisation programme of Microsoft Windows and Office.
Kenya is among 14 African countries that will benefit from a Sh70 billion Microsoft sponsored programme.
Microsoft’s chairman for Africa, Dr Cheick Diarra, said the Unlimited Potential (UP) programme would mainly target the youth.
"Microsoft has made a five-year $1 billion commitment to UP and other programmes meant to bridge the digital divide," said Diarra during a news conference in Nairobi.
"Through UP, Microsoft, the Government, Non-Governmental Organisations and private sector institutions can empower the youth and adults through training in software, entrepreneurial and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills."
Diarra said ICT provides the most effective tool to fight unemployment that is facing many youths.
He said hundreds of young people have been able to join the giant ICT Company associated with US billionaire, Mr Bill Gates and are working in many countries across Africa and Asia.
Diarra would be meeting senior Governmental officials and key private sector players to build a public-private partnership in the sector.
He said computer skills offered in the country do not meet the specific market demand and hence, the youth were unable to secure jobs available in the sector.
"Through such partnership, specific skills in areas like telecommunications, software and services can be developed," said Diarra.
Last year, the company launched its Kiswahili localisation programme of Microsoft Windows and Office.
posted by Mwananchi at 4:59 PM
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