Covid 19 has caused drastic changes in the job market. The young tech professionals have an opportunity to benefit from the program. Demand for tech professionals has increased as many customary businesses have opted to digitally market their goods. Forty Junior Technology Professionals will benefit in the first phase of the project. The professionals will be placed into 40 businesses across Kenya. The SMEs and tech startups will be among the businesses featured. The training will take place for a period of 3 months. Oversubscription for the program was experienced. More than 500 junior professionals across the 41 counties applied for the program. The selection was narrowed to 40 via tests that were made. Tests such as aptitude tests and code challenges were done. Interviewing was another form of selection that was done. Qualified candidates entailed of seventeen females and twenty three males. The professionals were from universities such as University of Nairobi. Technical colleges and training centers such as Moringa School and Akira Chix produced some other candidates. There were professionals from self-taught courses such as digital marketing. These kind of professionals were required to include the latest tools and technologies as well. Eldohub and Thunderbird have worked narrowly with the businesses .They have been able to find a project or means that the Junior professionals can assist in the running of the business. Among the projects to be done include: Fintech, Digital Marketing, Internet of things and E –commerce. Another matching was with Victor Omondi .He is a Data Scientist who has specialized in software development, machine learning, data visualization and creative thinking. Victor also had skills in programming and problem solving. Inuka Africa a microcredit institution was the one matched with Victor. However there have been challenges in finding local talent in the area of data science, analytics and AI. Analyzing client’s data, AI usage for credit scoring are among the tasks that he was assigned to. Computer Scientist known as Esther Mwaniki skilled in software development was matched. She has specialized in android and web application development. Esther was matched to Ajua Africa’s first Integrated Customer Experience Company. Her tasks were: writing a new code, maintaining current applications and linking with new client’s .The meeting with the clients would be on discussion on new projects. Victor will analyze client data, use AI to refine credit scoring, enable predictive lending and tighten credit controls for a better-quality loan portfolio. Michelle Nthumo a Back End Developer was matched to AFRIKAPU LTD. She is skilled in Back End Development. The AFRIKAPU LTD that she was matched with vends products from Africa that are handmade. The junior professionals were then matched to the 40 host businesses across 12 counties including Nairobi, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Bomet, Trans Nzoia, Kisumu, Mombasa, Kiambu, Kilifi, Meru, Narok and West Pokot. Mentors who would guide them during the whole period were as well provided. The JTPs are unique in that they get to experience a real work experience. Eldohub provides some stipend to cover up for the time. Gaining access to Thunderbird Certificate Programme in leadership is another chance they get. There is also online program that goes for two months .It’s all about emerging leaders and the ones without authority and influence. This is indeed a great opportunity for the Junior Tech Professionals.
