Young technology professionals urged to leverage human-centered innovation

The government has called on young technology professionals to leverage human-centered innovation and personal integrity as Kenya positions itself to lead the digital and independent economy in East Africa in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).

Speaking during the Moringa School Graduation Ceremony at the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Dome, Jamhuri Grounds, in Nairobi, ICT, Digital Economy, and Emerging Technologies Secretary, Mary Kerema, representing the PS for ICT Eng. John Tanui, emphasized that while automation and technology continue to reshape global markets, human creativity and ethical leadership remain irreplaceable.

“Machines can work for money, but only people can create things,” Ms. Kerema stated, adding that Kenya’s competitive edge lies in the strength of its human potential and knowledge base rather than passive tech consumption.

The ceremony, held under the theme “Future-Ready Talent for the Intelligent Economy,” brought together more than 1,700 graduands in software engineering, data science, product design, and cybersecurity.

Ms. Kerema urged the youth to cultivate empathy, personal identity, and courage, noting that technological advancement must be guided by human values to address societal challenges effectively.

“Knowledge is the foundation. AI and emerging technologies have come up with fantastic ideas to modify human life, but humanization must remain rooted in our idealism,” she said.

She further challenged the graduates to maintain strong values and moral courage as they navigate their careers.

Moringa School, Kenya’s accredited tech bootcamp, continues to train thousands of developers, data scientists, and digital innovators, boasting over 800 hiring corporate partners and a 75 percent job placement rate across the region.

Nikki Germany, Chief Executive Officer of Moringa, said, “Employers increasingly need people who can do more than operate a particular tool. They need professionals who can understand a problem, make sound decisions, work with others, and continue learning as technology changes.”

“Today we are celebrating the Future-Ready Talent for the Intelligent Economy. Our graduates across our eight disciplines are a mix of career launchers—beginning their careers in technology—and career advancers—working professionals who are upskilling themselves to stay ready in a fast-changing world. We recognise the discipline and hard work that has led to today’s event and congratulate them.”

She said that the future is being built on technology and data, and the graduates will lead Kenya into that future.

“We also thank our sponsors, partners, and career fair participants who are turning the link between education and employment into a reality,” she said.

Two graduate-built projects anchored the public showcase. Nairobi Floodguard, developed by Data Science learners, explored flood susceptibility and the optimization of matatu routes in areas affected by flooding in Nairobi. TerraFold Trace, developed by Software Engineering learners, examined how technology could support traceability in agricultural produce supply chains.

The accompanying career fair connected graduates and alumni with employers, recruiters, mentors, and technology professionals through practical challenges, expert sessions, networking, and career-support activities.

It also demonstrated how AI, data, software, cloud computing, and cybersecurity increasingly intersect, underscoring the importance of security, ethics, privacy, and resilience in digital systems.

Behind the scale of the graduating class were individual stories of persistence, career transition, and personal growth.

The valedictorian, Thomas Amuti, who is also a data science graduate, said, “We began from different places and encountered different challenges, but we learned how to work through uncertainty, ask better questions, and build with others. This graduation not only recognizes how far we have come, but it also reminds us that completing a programme was not the end of learning. We now have to keep developing our skills, contribute meaningfully, and demonstrate what we could do.”

By Ian Maina and Doreen Kasung’wa