The AWS User-group Kenya, an organization driven by the community with the aim of bringing together professionals, enthusiasts, and businesses interested in Amazon Web Services (AWS) within Kenya, hosted the first-ever AWS Community Day Kenya 2024 on April 20, 2024 at KCA University, Thika Road.
Supported by Amazon Web Services, this annual event served as a premier gathering for cloud enthusiasts, professionals, and businesses from all over Kenya who share a passion for cloud and AWS technologies.
The conference, spanning a day, offered a diverse array of sessions, workshops, and discussions led by industry experts, AWS representatives, and students.
Keynote speakers for this inaugural event included AWS Vice President and Chief Evangelist, Jeff Barr; Principal Secretary, Ministry of ICT, Kenya, Eng. John Tanui; Principal Secretary, Ministry of ICT, Uganda,Dr Aminah Zawedde and AWS Sub-Saharan Africa Manager, Robin Njiru.
AWS Community Day Kenya 2024 is proudly sponsored by AWS, KCA, Silicon Overdrive, Qucoon Limited, Emobilis, Eleven degrees, Labmero consulting, DumelaCorp, Whizlabs, Moringa School, MESH, and Yellow Card.
Over 400 attendees from Kenya, Uganda, Burundi and Nigeria had the chance to delve into the latest trends, best practices, and innovations in cloud computing, with a specific focus on how AWS services can tackle real-world challenges and drive business success.
Sessions spanned a wide spectrum of topics, including serverless computing, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and cloud security.
During the AWS Community Day, PS Tanui shared Kenya’s inspiring journey of digital transformation and innovation, emphasizing the nation’s dedication to realizing the Digital Superhighway.
“We’re committed to ensuring the achievement of the Digital Superhighway and collaborating with partners like AWS to achieve Kenya Vision 2030,” he stated.
PS Tanui highlighted the significance of leveraging cloud services infrastructure for economic growth, noting the collaborative efforts with AWS in opening new opportunities for Kenya’s talented youth.
“It was great to see youth working in the recently launched AWS development center here in Nairobi and serving the globe,” he remarked.
Eng. Tanui’s remarks underscored the pivotal role of the digital economy in empowering young people.
The discussion during the event explored the vast array of opportunities available, ranging from cloud computing roles to cybersecurity, AI, Machine Learning, and beyond.
On her part, Principal Secretary, Ministry of ICT, Uganda,Dr Aminah Zawedde noted that the youth have the role to drive the technological journey of the continent and they should take the responsibility.
She added that the governments in Africa should empower the youth to grow the sector which drives the economy a great deal.
“70% of Africa’s population is the youth. They should be driven to drive and grow the sector because they are the future leaders,” noted Dr Aminah who suggested that the community day should be expanded to regional and also continental reach.
As Kenya continues on its path of digital advancement, initiatives like the AWS Community Day serve as catalysts for nurturing talent and driving innovation in the digital sphere.
“Through its routine meetups, workshops, and the annual AWS Community Day, the AWS User-group Kenya continuously nurtures a lively and supportive community of AWS users and advocates within Kenya. The organization’s endeavors have played a significant role in promoting AWS adoption and advancing technical expertise across diverse industries,” noted Mr Njiru.