Local universities have decried the shortage of computer science lecturers despite the rising demand of technology courses.
A symposium held at Zetech University on last Monday heard that despite the growth in the field of technological and the prerequisite demand for the same many students who wished to pursue computer science courses were stranded due to lack of tutors in their respective disciplines.
Ms. Catherine Muraga, the Managing Director of Microsoft ADC expressed fears that most scholars were now shifting with demand preferring market-oriented course to conform to the digital revolution.
She, however, regretted that some universities do not have qualified lecturers in the field calling on scholars, industry experts, and policymakers to address on time, claiming that the country might lag behind in its push of becoming one of the biggest technology hubs in the world.
“That’s why trainers need to move with the new times of getting expertise on market oriented courses especially the technical ones,” said Ms Muraga.
She cited Artificial Intelligence (AI) to quantum computing saying the need for expertise is skyrocketing. She further noted that institutions are struggling to find enough qualified educators to keep up with the available one being tapped by the private sector.
Her sentiments were echoed by the Zetech University Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Alice Njuguna who said the Kenyan market is technologically mature thus the need to address the gaps in the number of highly trained professionals to train students.
Ms Njuguna said the university is working to bring lecturers who can bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and practical application.
The University’s Vice Chancellor Prof Njenga Munene called for enhanced partnership between universities and industry to be able to bridge the gaps.
“Investing in education development, embracing technological tools, and fostering a global network of knowledge exchange can address gaps,” said Prof Munene.
He called on universities and colleges to tap into the private sector in an effort to sort the issue of expertise and also leverage on the opportunities in the field to train more instructors to bridge the gap in the future. By Muoki Charles
