Safaricom and the ICT Authority’s Connect Academy Cohort 1 Graduates

Connect Academy has today held its inaugural graduation ceremony for its first cohort of 48 students. The Academy is an initiative between Safaricom and the ICT Authority of Kenya. 

Launched during the 2024 Connected Africa Summit, the academy seeks to address Kenya’s growing demand for skilled digital infrastructure talent. It equips young Kenyans with practical, industry-ready fibre deployment skills aligned with the country’s dynamic digital transformation. 

“The Connect Academy to us represents our commitment to building Kenya’s digital future by investing in technical future-ready skills in the people who make connectivity possible. Today, this graduating class is stepping into a digitally led future, and we are assured that the future is in good hands,” said Dr Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom Plc.

The inaugural cohort was selected from Safaricom’s technician base, referrals from the Connected Africa Summit and community applicants, reflecting the programme’s commitment to accessible opportunities and inclusive digital upskilling. During the rigorous three-month curriculum, the graduates have received technical training, mentorship from industry experts and exposure to real-world work environments.

The programme is already demonstrating strong employment outcomes from Safaricom and other partners with 98% already absorbed into the job market.

 “This partnership couldn’t have happened at a more opportune time. As a country, we have a national goal of strengthening the ICT workforce. By ensuring alignment of training with industry needs, the Connect Academy is helping to create a continuous pipeline of skilled technicians who will drive Kenya’s digital infrastructure expansion in the coming years,” said Zilpher Owiti, Ag. CEO ICT Authority Kenya. 

As the Connect Academy implements its future programmes with Cohort 2 starting in January, Safaricom and the ICT Authority is committed to expanding opportunities for Kenya’s youth and refining the programme as needed to build a skilled workforce ready to drive the country’s national digital agenda forward.