President William Ruto on Tuesday, May 21, revealed that Kenya and the US were in partnership to equip students with relevant skills through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs.
While speaking in Atlanta, President Ruto acknowledged the need to invest in education especially equipping Kenyan students with relevant skills in the technology and science world to meet the growing job demand.
He noted that the partnership between Kenya and the US is one of the most successful achievements between the two countries. He likened the partnership to the Mboya and Kennedy airlift program that offers scholarships.
The Head of State emphasised that since the two countries had strong diplomatic ties, there was a good foundation to empower Kenyan students with skills in STEM especially in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and data science.
"I am delighted that today, inspired by the initial Mboya/Kennedy airlift and determined to foster future skills, Kenyan universities and their counterparts will sign a framework agreement to enhance student and faculty exchange, joint research, and innovation, aiming to bolster capabilities for a digital future. Kenya stands ready to maintain its vanguard role, furthering our ambition to accelerate the Silicon Savannah," he added.
He further proposed more collaboration between American experts, universities and colleges, and Kenyan technical and vocational education and training institutions.
"We are determined to leverage the Kenya-US partnership to empower and inspire greater female participation and leadership in STEM."
President Ruto's remarks came after the US-based tech giant Micron Technology announced plans to partner with Kenyan universities to expand the semiconductor workforce.
This project, 'Enhancing STEM Education for Economic Development,' will offer Kenyan students opportunities to pursue STEM-related degrees. The students will gain the necessary skills to meet the growing talent demand in this industry.
President William Ruto and representatives from the US are expected to join the signing ceremony of the project.
"Micron’s investments in US expansion are about much more than building fabs. We’re investing in people and in partnerships to expose learners from every background to opportunities they may not otherwise have without the support," April Arnez, the executive vice president and chief people officer at Micron and president of the Micron Foundation, stated.
Micron Technology is a multi-billion dollar company and the only US-based manufacturer of memory. This partnership means that Kenyan students will get a chance to learn from one of the best and largest semiconductor companies.
It will offer relevant skills to the students to venture into the industry and also include initiatives that will allow students to change career paths.
