Knowledge is power, Computer science is raw gold. Yes, Computer science is one of the highly demanding and technical courses in the world. A person with this skill is capable of working in any field requiring knowledge and information.
Computer Science is the study of computation, automation and information. The goal of studying computer science is to identify problems, implement solutions that meet realistic limitations such as communication, effective use of language, project development, etc. Computer science contributes to other fields by showing how to model their processes as information processes and in fields like finance and commerce, medicine, industries, security, government, entertainment, education, trade, even culture.
Let’s take a tour round Kenya! Kenya is one of the fastest accelerating countries in Africa. From her independence in 1963 till date the population rate has been above the world’s average. Research shows that two-third of Kenyans are under 30 years old, such a population leads to rising costs of education, health service, limited employment opportunities and unfavourable balance of trade.
How can computer science solve problems in Kenya?
There are endless possibilities and opportunities within organisations and sectors that span industries like transportation and aviation, agriculture, finance etc.
Let’s see how computer science interacts with each problem raised in Kenya and in general development of the country.
1. EDUCATION
One of the limitations in the education system in Kenya is inadequate learning facilities and materials. Computer science woven with education exposes learners to a border idea about education and availability of e-books, virtual learning and e-library. This means there wouldn’t be limited materials for learning. A software can be built for schools to access videos, researches, old archives, historical books etc. for each grade and level of school. By this learning becomes easier and accessible, school curriculums will be covered in due section. Introduction of computers in schools can also improve the performances in examinations. How? Students with illegible handwritings can easily input their assessments on the computers and excuses for failure will be limited. Computer science is increasingly relevant in this part of the world as virtual learning has become widely accepted. During the COVID-19 pandemic schools switched from normal classes to online, the shift had to force teachers to learn ICT skills. This is an opportunity for jobs to teach workers and teachers to learn skills and ability.
2. Economy
In this century where innovation is well celebrated, Computer science enables innovation and development in the economy. In Kenya’s economy computer models can be used to forecast economic conditions and evaluate possible effects of macroeconomics problems. It also contributes to GDP growth by helping people advertising and selling goods online. Opportunities to market computer science in Kenya’s economy are broad and there are emergence of new services and innovations for industries to improve in production, business innovations, trading and marketing.
3. Health Service
Skills in computer science creates, implements and improves electronic medical records EMRs in clinics. In Kenya, advancements in ICT act as a big contribution and support in medical laboratory services. Computer science in medicine improves growth and management of health services . Artificial Intelligence is the automation of activities associated with human thinking like decision making, learning and problem solving. Hybrid intelligence can still be created to solve the health problems in Kenya and reach remote areas in the country. Computer science can also generate revenue for the government and regulate the death rate. Modern imaging methods are drawn on computers.
4. Finance and commerce
Computer science can be marketable in the banking sector of Kenya. Use of information and communication technology ICT have made a great impact in banking activities. Coding and e-banking, creation of applications and highly secured systems for finance and banking creates job opportunities for programmers and other careers associated with the discipline.
Automated teller machines (ATMs) make banking faster, safer and reliable. Modern computing has advanced rapidly, and there is availability of computer science related jobs in the banks. One example is the ATM card, now there are machines that make ATM cards within 20 minutes. All necessary information is coded in the system for easy access.
In personal computer banking PC-banking also provides opportunities for virtual banking for customers. More applications and software can be created for easy access and usage for customers.
Commercial Banks in Kenya are composed of the Central Bank of Kenya, the commercial banks, Non-Bank Financial Institutions and Forex Bureaus.
ICT systems can provide information recorded and archived from all the sectors for the commercial bank in Kenya. Secured systems can be created for commercial bank and mortgage finance companies for easy licence and regulation of banking acts.
5. Security
Computer Science and technology has brought about innovation in government in many parts of the world, Kenya is no exception. The security sector has multiple rooms for improvement with the help of ICT. In Kenya’s security sector management systems can be created to protect confidential information about the country. Information security programs can be created and sold to the government, these programs can contain sensitive information and can only be accessed by authorised users.
Data breaches can be avoided as well as highly secured programs can be built. This can save the entire economy of Kenya including finance, medical services, communication and trade. Government ministries can be protected from exposure to certain security threats like fraud, sabotage, espionage etc. The government and private companies in Kenya can invest in protecting computer systems to enable control of utilities and infrastructure to prevent cyber attacks. Data security has always been a huge priority to many organisations in Kenya, success in data security in these organisations will make computer science very valuable in Kenya.
In the military, Information warfare can be used as an attack against state infrastructure against other countries. Information warfare includes Computer Network Exploration, Computer Network Defence, and Computer Network Attacks. These are used for acquisition of information and nesting of destructive codes. Computer science in the military can put an end to cyber- terrorism for good. Armed drones can build for war in regions where soldiers can go.
6. Agriculture
In agriculture, computer science can scale up agricultural activities by promoting food security and marketing, also improving agricultural productivity. Applications and programs can be created and sold to the agriculture sector in Kenya, these applications can consist of information farmers need for better production and networking with stakeholders round the world. More channels of communication can also be marketed.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN STUDYING COMPUTER SCIENCE IN KENYA:
1. If the course is competitive and marketable.
2. The pros and cons of computer science.
3. Computer science career paths and disciplines for each sector of your desire.
4. Dependability and safety for the long term.
5. Ranges of career opportunities.
6. Stability in the job field.
7. If the earnings are favourable.
8. Availability of entrepreneurial potential.
Fact is computer science professionals are in high demand in Kenya and in the whole world as human history is evolving. Computer science as we have come to know it helps solve most of the world’s problems, complex analytical skills and critical thinking and innovation. The technical know-how and skills in computer science such as these are useful for specialists and professionals working with multiple and complex algorithms and big data to create instructions and understanding patterns for Kenya as a country and the whole world.
COMPUTER SCIENCE CAREERS THAT ARE MARKETABLE IN KENYA
You know studying the discipline is not just the beginning of a career but it is a doorway for a marketable career for a lifetime.
Majoring in the discipline allows you to be a freelance worker or work under a firm in Kenya.
1. System Analyst – a system analyst analyses systems, this career differs in different firms and organisations. An analyst builds systems, and reveals specific problems and fixes them. They design, build and develop computer networks by creating cost analysis then configure hardware and software on the network and they are regularly remodelled. They earn an average salary of $80.000 per year. They find co-effective ways to better the workflow in existing networks.
2. Mobile developers- The mobile developer is an IT professional responsible for modelling, designing, building and maintaining mobile applications. They create software for technology and mobile devices. In banking they play a major role creating banking applications and software. They are specialised in different platforms like iOS, android etc.
3. Software developer- Software Developers are behind all sorts of computer programs you can think of. They design computer and mobile applications. Their main job is to largely focus on creating for consumers. They study and understand the needs of users, develop software solutions, and modify programs as needed. This developer identifies threats to computer security.
4. Technical Support Engineer – they solve technical problems and issues. They provide different technical support. They provide technical support to consumers who have an inability to find their way around software and hardware. They are involved in troubleshooting websites. They help in security like passwords for gadgets and certain Application security , they also understand codes and provide workarounds to certain issues. The salary earned by these engineers is about $73,000 per year
5. Software Architect – they are experts that make high level design choices and try to enforce technical standards including software coding standards, tools, and patterns . They take care of sensitive and significant aspects of IT.
They are marketable in computer science because it involves other sciences, business, and interpersonal management skills. They build software just as Software Architects do.
6. Network Security Engineers- they are known for developing, provisioning, configuring and administering many different pieces of network and security- related hardware and software. The software includes a firewall, virtual private networks (VPN), routers, and network-monitoring tools. If networking and internet security is concerned these engineers are every company’s first in line defence against unauthorised breaches. Cyber security engineers are in high demand in Kenya.
7. Data Scientist – they are analytical experts who utilise their skills in social science and technology to find trends and manage data. They are collectors of data; they clean and archive data because data never comes refined. They turn it into information, they also discover patterns to data and build models and algorithms around all they have observed. They use industry knowledge, contextual understanding and scepticism of existing assumptions to uncover solutions to business challenges.
8. Development Operations Engineer – they are responsible for configuration of operational priority, determining project objectives by defining, estimating and screening alternative solutions. They know how to manage infrastructure that is supportive to software code. They have in-depth operational issues and are tasked with studying and observing functioning of systems and recording the performance of results.
9. UX/UI Designer – They are creators in the digital world, they make the digital world and products more intuitive, inclusive and accessible. This is one of the most marketable careers in this discipline in Kenya. It is a very remote job. An IT professional salary is about $90,200 per year in the world. There is an ever increasing demand for high quality products in media, finance and even security. These designers are truly creators; they beautify the world with IT.
10. Software Engineer- they are computer science professionals who use knowledge of engineering principles and programming terms to build software products and run network control systems. The engineer analyses the clients’ needs, then designs, tests and develops the computer software to meet that need or solve the problem. They earn a salary of about $106,500 per year in the world. These experts are good in computing systems and recognizing limitations of any existing hardware, the remodel, redesign and modification of hardware and software.
In conclusion, marketable careers are shaped by demand and time. As Kenya is evolving with time, there is an ever-increasing number of computer science discipline careers. Computer Scientists are here to change the world and life for the better!
