The Strathmore University’s @iLabAfrica Research and Innovation Centre and Kenya Trade Network Agency (KenTrade) have partnered to help drive innovation led business growth in Kenya through a program known as the Challenge Based Learning (CBL).

The aim of the program is to service the growing needs of business institutions to constantly innovate and stay up to date with the latest technologies.

The collaboration conforms with KenTrade’s objective of providing an environment that promotes technological innovation and provides business support structures and policy direction to harness the potential of ICT as a genuine tool for sustainable development.

The first of its kind, the Challenge Based Learning program will recruit participants from the two institutions who will research and develop a digital logistics marketplace where all stake holders in the trade logistics industry will have an opportunity to market to each other their services for easy reach.

According to Strathmore University’s Industry Relations Manager, Lorna Mutegi-Kamau, “We are excited to announce that we have received numerous applications from potential candidates who wish to join the program. Currently 4 of the best candidates have been shortlisted and will proceed on with the program to access education and research resources through existing @iLabAfrica linkages with providers of leading technology. @iLabAfrica will provide the top four (4) program participants with the digital skills training and mentorship to help them solve the “big challenge” within the one (1) year rigorous program,” she said.

KenTrade CEO Amos Wangora said the Agency is keen on development of innovations and @iLabAfrica-Strathmore University provides the right atmosphere and infrastructure to promote and nurture innovations.

He said, “We are keen on developing innovative digital solutions to maximize productivity, improve market linkages, increase supply chain efficiency and provide greater access to inputs for traders in Kenya through the collaboration of this program. We at KenTrade wish to sponsor one of the participants as part of the state Agency’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) this year.”

KenTrade Director of IT Infrastructure, Innovations and Security, Anne Waweru, said that sustainable technology can transform the Regional East African landscape adding, “The range of benefits for traders include joint-go-to market strategies, technical support and new sales opportunities with @iLabAfrica-Strathmore University partner ecosystems, co-creation of solutions without the need to delve deep into the data engineering resources.”

The CBL Program was launched in 2020 and is being managed @iLabAfrica-Strathmore University in Nairobi in collaboration with KenTrade. The program runs for a period of one year and is divided into two sessions.

The first session includes training on soft skills technical foundation and identifying the Big Idea (Challenge) while second part entails formulating of periodic seminars and workshops while working on solving the Big Challenge. @iLabAfrica has long been a leader in the responsible stewardship of technology and innovation with valuable data.

 

This article was written by Rose Fina Barasa, Project Coordinator/Industry Relations-@iLabAfrica Research Centre.

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