100 AI Students to Secure Jobs Under OUK–BCS Partnership
The future just got brighter for students eyeing careers in Artificial Intelligence. The best 100 learners in a new AI programme at the Open University of Kenya (OUK) will secure job placement opportunities, thanks to a fresh partnership with global software firm BCS Technology Limited.
The announcement was made in Nairobi during the launch of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between OUK and BCS Technology. The five-year partnership among other initiatives will deliver intensive training in AI skills—ranging from basics to advanced large language models (LLMs), ensuring that the graduates are industry-ready.
Left Mr. Howard Hillesbrand, founder of BCS Technology, right Prof. Carolyne Omulando, DVC, Academic Affairs, OUK
“This is a momentous time for us as the Open University of Kenya,” said Prof. Carolyne Omulando, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs. “The collaboration guarantees our students and all who will enroll on this course, not just AI cutting-edge training but also pathways into real employment. We are committed to ensuring that every learner receives world-class content and practical exposure.”
The programme, set to kick off in September, 2025 will run for eight weeks, four of which will will entail lab work and a hackathon. Students only need basic computer skills to join, a laptop and internet connection, making the course accessible beyond traditional STEM backgrounds. Practical, hands-on learning will be emphasized, with participants graduating into a ready market.
Standing left Mr. Howard Hillesbrand, Prof. Carolyne Omulando, Mr. Edward Muthiga, Country Director BCS Kenya
Howard Hillesbrand, founder of BCS Technology, said the partnership aims to build Kenya’s AI workforce and connect local talent to global opportunities. “Kenya has some of the best talent in sub-Saharan Africa. Through this initiative, we want to equip students with skills to create, deploy, and manage AI solutions that meet international standards.”
According to Prof. Logie Shen, who will support in the training alongside Dr. Jason Mars, students will gain exposure to the fast-growing world of AI, including how to build secure proprietary large language models for organizations.
The course will be delivered fully online, in keeping with OUK’s flexible learning model, on scholarship for all participants. Over a period of five years, thousands of students will be trained in multiple cohorts, with over 200 students in the first cohort.
“This programme is more than just a course—it is a career launchpad,” Prof. Omulando emphasized.
In addition, the company will support the University in establishing an AI lab, which is envisaged to provide researchers in AI and related areas of study with unique opportunities to interact with renowned AI researchers internationally. This the university prides itself on since it gives its postgraduate students a head start in engaging in applied and responsive research that aligns with solving practical problems and providing rapid specific solutions.
Through this partnership, “Our goal is to prepare graduates who walk into the job market ready to deliver,” noted Prof Omulando.