From L-R Ms. Joan Mbesya, Mr. Dennis Ngahu, Mr. Wenslous Otema, Mr. Kevin Ochieng, Pst Felix Simotwo and Dr. Lawrence Nderu.

By Hannington Karanja

On 28^th July 2023, Daystar Information Technology Association (DITA) held a career talk for Computer Science students at the Nairobi Campus.

The event brought together various technology gurus from across the Nation among them Daystar alumni. They were hosted by the Head of Computer Science Department, Ms. Zipporah Mwololo.

The purpose of the talk was to enlighten students on current trends in the industry, as well as provide a platform to dialogue, educate and encourage the upcoming computer scientists.

The forum had a panel of discussion featuring Chief Technology Officer, Soft Touch Technologies, Mr. Kevin Ochieng’, CEO and Co-Founder @altn8, Mr. Dennis Ngahu, Chairman, Department of Computing-JKUAT, Dr. Lawrence Nderu, CEO Technology Mindset Africa Ltd (TMA) Ms Joan Mbesya, and Pastoral Assistant Mr. Felix Simotwo. It was moderated by a Daystar Computer Science student and tech enthusiast, Wenslous Egesa Otema.

The team discussed technology and its rapid growth, globally. All seemed to agree that ICT students should learn to communicate effectively and strategically to enable them sell their agenda. Additionally, the panel emphasized the urgency of becoming job creators as opposed to job seekers. Students were also encouraged to develop ethics, discipline, and diligence.

Mr. Kevin Ochieng’ had a bias toward cyber security. He presented on trends and opportunities in cyber security, as he expounded on the various types of cyber security and cyber threats to the learners. Seeing that ICT jobs are in high demand across the continent, Mr Ochieng’ encouraged students to be involved in the field’s current affairs and more importantly, become problem solvers as well as embrace research.

“Aspire to always be a problem solver and embrace thinking outside the box, that way you will have a rewarding career and a robust reputation. Also choose your specialty and grow in it,” he advised.

Mr. Dennis Ngahu handled the topic of entrepreneurship. His expertise saw the learners familiarize with market dynamics for technology and how to navigate them. He drew the audience's attention to the conversation on how to solve problems pointing out the complexities of an entrepreneur. Mr. Ngahu emphasized on teamwork, character, identification of individual’s motivation, and Law literacy for effectiveness.

His parting shot to students was “Change is the only constant, to adapt you need to be a lifelong learner.”

The CEO of Tech Mindset Africa Ltd (TMA) Ms Joan Mbesya, who is also a Daystar alumna was excited to make a comeback to her alma mater. Ms Mbesya shared her career journey. In a brief but rather informative address, she championed the necessity of finding own purpose and oneself.

“Amidst everything, understand yourself first, and be keen on the things that people compliment you on,” she said, adding that there is space for everyone to find their niche.

Ms Mbesya urged the students to embrace curiosity and research in order to acquire practical skills for growth. “Be curious, be hungry, be present. Research what you admire doing and get to understand your admiration better,” she advised.

The final speaker, Dr. Lawrence Nderu, briefly spoke on Artificial Intelligence in Africa and the need for technology enthusiasts to utilize the space to grow the African continent. He reflected on the impact of artificial intelligence and its market dynamics.

He further expounded on the types of AI that included machine learning, language processing, and deep learning among others. Dr. Nderu persuaded the students to identify gaps in these fields, fill and grow them. He later shared the weaknesses and strengths of AI, striking a relevant balance in the minds of the audience.

The HoD for Computer Science Ms Zipporah Mwololo relayed her unwavering commitment and that of the School of Science, Engineering and Health in supporting DITA to transform and expand the knowledge of students in the technology space. She encouraged the learners to embrace their passion, be focused and look for further ways to be involved in the science and technology industry. Ms Mwololo bravely advocated for students’ engagement in problem-solving through science.

“You are important, and God has purposed for you to study science and apply it to create solutions that will create wealth and change the world,” she asserted.

In his closing remarks, the DITA President Mr. Newton Mutugi thanked the invited speakers for sharing great insights and the students for attending.