The Oracle Kenya office was pleased to welcome the IEEE Kenya summer camp student congress consisting of 44 students majoring in computer science and engineering from 12 universities on August 22, 2024. The students enjoyed an exciting day of learning and networking, packed with presentations and hands-on sessions that introduced them to various skills development tools and technologies from Oracle, a global leader in cloud solutions and enterprise software.
The IEEE Kenya summer camp visit was officially opened by David Bunei, Oracle Kenya Country Director & Sales Director, Cloud Systems West & East Africa, who delivered an inspiring keynote address centered on the 3 Es: Education, Exposure, and Experience. In his speech, Bunei emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation through education, gaining exposure to global trends and technologies, and acquiring hands-on experience to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts. His message set the tone for the day, encouraging students to fully engage with the opportunities presented during the camp to shape their future careers in technology.
The sessions began with a presentation on Oracle’s history and company portfolio by Hilda Muthoni, Principal AppsTech Architect, Oracle, offering participants an insightful look into the evolution of Oracle and its significant contributions to the world of data management, cloud computing, and enterprise solutions. This session set the stage for understanding Oracle’s extensive ecosystem and its role in transforming industries worldwide.
Next, students were introduced to the Oracle Cloud and its AI capabilities through the session Getting Started with Oracle Cloud & Oracle’s AI Advantage, by Desmond Muriu, Cloud Compute Specialist, Oracle. They explored how Oracle Cloud integrates artificial intelligence into enterprise applications, providing businesses with smarter tools for automation, analytics, and more. The students engaged in discussions on the future of AI in cloud computing, and how leveraging Oracle’s technology can drive digital transformation.
One of the highlights of the day was the session on building applications using Oracle APEX by Juvenulus Musungu, Technology Solution Engineer, Oracle. Students had the opportunity to learn how to rapidly develop secure, scalable web applications using Oracle’s low-code platform. This practical session showcased the versatility of Oracle APEX and how it empowers developers to build complex applications without extensive coding knowledge.
In the Tips for success with Gen O session led by Wilfred Odhiambo, Gen O Sales Representative, participants were inspired by real-life stories and career advice from Oracle’s next-generation workforce program, Gen O. This segment provided actionable insights on how to maximize opportunities within the tech industry, with a special focus on personal growth and professional development.
For students interested in project management, the camp offered insights into Oracle Primavera P6, a project management gold standard tool used by construction and engineering project managers. The session, Primavera P6 for Construction & Engineering Project Managers, provided a practical overview of how Primavera helps project managers manage large-scale projects efficiently, optimizing schedules and resources for maximum productivity. The event also featured an Oracle Academy student success story by Lewis Miringa, University of Nairobi graduate, where students heard firsthand accounts of a peer who has successfully used Primavera in their academic and career journeys. This inspiring session emphasized how Oracle Academy’s resources can open doors to career opportunities in technology.
Finally, students were introduced to Oracle Academy learning resources and Oracle University certifications led by Lorna Juma, Oracle Academy Program Manager, Eastern Africa. These tools and certifications equip learners with in-demand skills and credentials, giving them a competitive edge in the job market. Oracle Academy provides learning pathways for students to master critical skills in database, data science, cloud computing, application development, project management and more.
The camp proved to be an enriching experience for the students, providing them with a comprehensive overview of Oracle’s technologies and how these tools can be applied in the real world.
IEEE Kenya presented an appreciation award to Oracle at the end of the event. The award was received by the Oracle Kenya Country Director. IEEE Kenya Secretary, Stephen Okwiri, who awarded the honor, stated, “On behalf of our entire team, we present this award in recognition of Oracle’s invaluable support and dedication to education. Your passion for empowering students and shaping future leaders has made a great difference, and we are deeply appreciative of the impact you’ve had on this program and the future technology and engineering community.”
Oracle Academy faculty members across the globe can access free learning resources for their students through the Oracle Academy Member Hub, an intuitive, state-of-the-art teaching and learning platform. Members simply log in on the home page of academy.oracle.com. Not a member? It’s easy and free to join.