The training of the first batch of “softwarepreneurs” is set to start next month as Kenya tries to become a software hub.
Business Daily reports that in the last budget, ICT got Sh1.6 billion (US$216 641) to “ to facilitate SMEs growth, expand business incubation to support over 100 additional enterprises and create 100 software development enterprises,” according to then Finance minister Amos Kimunya
Starting October this year, Kirdi will take up 25 candidates to groom them for software development. This group will form the first phase of the four part series that will see 100 entrepreneurs created by the end of two years.
The idea to train the “softwarepreneurs” is based on the global thinking that knowledge-based enterprises is the way of the future.
In 2006 when the research institute commenced business incubation, they could not find any local role models to benchmark the program. The search for a role model stopped in India, the software development gurus who had earned their respect in the global arena.
“We settled on Kamtech Associates Pvt Ltd mid last year because it recently set up a software development centre in China, a model we want to replicate in Kenya,” said Prof Tom Ogada, the organisation’s director.
The beauty of the Kamtech model is the training criteria employed: 25 graduates will be selected in each phase where they will undergo comprehensive training. The first priority is entrepreneurship training on how to run and management a business.
