Safaricom, ICT Authority To Train 10k Technicians

In a bid to address the growing skills gap in Kenya’s fibre optic workforce, Safaricom, in collaboration with the ICT Authority, has unveiled the Connect Academy program. The initiative, announced during the Connected Africa Summit 2024, aims to provide industrial training for fibre optic technicians.

The rapid expansion of fibre optic infrastructure in Kenya has underscored the need for skilled technicians in the field. The Connect Academy seeks to fill this gap by offering targeted, timely, and affordable training tailored to address specific industry needs. Additionally, the Academy will establish a talent pool portal to guide technicians along their career paths and foster industry thought leadership through knowledge-sharing platforms.

At its core, the Connect Academy aims to establish a center of excellence for training skilled fixed broadband technicians in both fibre optic and wireless technologies. The initiative is poised to revolutionize the telecommunications industry in Kenya by ensuring technicians are equipped with the necessary knowledge and expertise to support the burgeoning demand for high-speed internet and digital services.

Led by Elaine Kyalo, Head of Fixed Network Solutions at Safaricom PLC, and her team, the program sets an ambitious target of empowering 10,000 technicians over the next five years, with partnerships established with at least 100 TVETs.

According to Kyalo, the curriculum will encompass future-facing fixed broadband technologies designed to enhance user experience and deployment speed while simultaneously reducing production costs.

“Part of the curriculum will include future facing fixed broadband technologies that enhance quality of experience to the user and speed of deployment while lowering cost of production to allow us craft broadband products that are affordable to the common citizen” Kyalo said.

In addition to technical training, the program will provide life coaching in crucial areas such as financial management, career development, and customer service, ensuring technicians are equipped with a comprehensive skill set to thrive in the evolving telecommunications landscape.