Data science course in Kenya [All you need to know]

Last updated on March 20th, 2024 at 03:08 am

Below you’ll learn everything about taking a data science course in Kenya.

You’ll discover everything about data science courses in Kenya including:

  • What is data science course in Kenya  (What the course involves)
  • Data science course requirements (data science course in Kenya requirements)
  • Data science course units
  • Where to study that is Schools offering data science in Kenya and the courses they offer (e.g. Strathmore university data science course) and the best data science schools in Kenya
  • The cost including the cost of data science courses in Nairobi (some of you have been looking for JKUAT data science fee structure)
  • Diploma in data science in Kenya (where to take it)
  • Data science courses in university including online data science courses in Kenya
  • What it will take to become a reputable data scientist (how to become a data scientist in Kenya).
  • Career opportunities with data science skills.
  • The future of data science in Kenya and the wider East Africa region.

Read to the end.

Data science courses in Kenya – All you need to know when it comes to data science course in Kenya

What does a data science course involve?

According to Wikipedia, Data science is a concept that unifies statistics, machine learning, data analysis and other related methods in analyzing and understanding actual phenomena using data.

In short, it’s the use of mathematical techniques, algorithms, machine learning concepts, and other useful tools to gain deeper insights in collected data in order to improve decision making in businesses.

It’s really diversified and employs methods and theories adopted from myriad fields including mathematics, computer science, information science, etc.

 

Data science course in Kenya requirements (qualifications for data science course)

The requirements differ.

For example, at Strathmore, you need a KCSE mean grade(aggregate) of B+ along with an A- in Maths and English

So it’s best to reach out to the school you have in mind and ask.

And do not forget that having good grades in Maths is absolutely mandatory in many institutions offering data science in Kenya.

 

Career opportunities with data science skills

With a data science course in Kenya, you could work as:

1.      Junior Data Scientist

This is an entry-level position.

Roles here include data mining using various state-of-the-art methods, creating visualizations using advanced visualization tools, implementing various machine learning-based tools/processes within a company.

2.      Data analyst

Your key duty will be conducting research and appropriate data analysis to help the firm arrive at data-driven decisions.

You also participate in gathering relevant data and information and performing required data checks to test data accuracy, completeness, and more.

3.      Lead Data Scientist

As a data science head, you’re in charge of critical functions such as developing data strategies and ensuring that they’re aligned to set business goals.

You’re also responsible for guiding data science teams on the most effective methodologies to extract, aggregate, and transform data.

Other duties include the planning of the analytics team’s seasonal and monthly tasks to ensure a smooth flow of operations.

Here is a list of other data science positions:

  • Data Engineer
  • Big Data Engineer
  • Data Architect
  • Business Analytics Specialist
  • Business Intelligence (BI) Engineer
  • BI Solutions Architect
  • Statistician

 

Data science courses in Kenya – Typical data science syllabus

To succeed in data science, you need topnotch big data and machine learning skills.

For this reason, a typical data syllabus is dominated by machine learning and data analysis units.

There’s also a fair share of advanced visualization models to tackle.

Specifically, you’ll be taken through the following topics in the best data science courses:

  • Coding skills in Python.
  • Machine learning techniques in neural networks, adversarial learning, reinforcement learning, etc.
  • Algorithms like k-NN, SVM, Naive Bayes, and Random Forest.
  • Data science toolkits like Weka, NumPy, R, and MatLab.
  • Data visualization tools, for example, D3.js, Tableau, and GGplot.
  • NoSQL databases like MongoDB, Cassandra, and HBase.
  • SQL Database development.
  • Big data technologies -Hadoop, Apache Spark, and more.

Where to study a data science course in Kenya (colleges offering data science)

Only a few colleges offer a data science curriculum in Kenya.

Here are some of your options including institutions offering online data science courses in Kenya:

Strathmore university data science course

You can take a data science course at Strathmore University (Institute of Mathematical Sciences).

The course involves activities such as:

  1. Applied Data Science Labs.
  2. Educational Programs.
  3. Research.

For more information, contact: ims@strathmore.edu

Note that Strathmore is the first university to offer a masters in data science Kenya

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Moringa school – they have an excellent data science short course in Kenya

Moringa has a well-structured Data Science course (We are of the opinion that Moringa has one of the best data science courses in Kenya)

Moringa’s data science curriculum has been prepared by renowned domain experts and you’re taken through dozens of real-world case studies to help you build the in-demand skills.

There are also countless local data-sets that help you gain skills marketable in the Kenyan market.

To Enquire, call/ WhatsApp 0711 581 484.

You can also email the admissions office via contact@moringaschool.com

PS: Watch this Video from Moringa School to understand what Data Science is.

 

Kenya school of Monetary studies (KSMS)

KSMS offers a data science course for Kenyans working in the financial industry and related institutions.

It’s a short course and you must be nominated by your employer to be accepted.

They’re also one of the few institutions offering a recognized Data Analytics Certification in Kenya.

Email them via ksmscommunications@ksms.or.ke for details on this and their other short courses in data analysis.

Simon Page School of Marketing

You can enroll for a diploma in data science course in Kenya at SimonPage College of Marketing.

Email them at progress@simonpage.ac.ke to find out about their diploma in data science requirements

KCA University

You can do a diploma in data management and analytics in Kenya at KCA too, which is essentially one of the best data engineering courses in Kenya.

Other places to enroll for a Data science course in Kenya

You can consider taking the course online too, especially if you’re short of finances.

Indeed, some of the most comprehensive data science courses are offered by E-learning academies such as:

  • Simplilearn (Includes Live Video Sessions).
  • Udemy…check them out if you’re searching for free data science courses in Kenya (Go to their website)
  • Coursera

Lastly, if you choose to enroll for a full diploma in data analytics in Kenya, the best option is NIIT in Nairobi.

Write to them through info@niitkenya.com.

Note that the highest Data science qualification in Kenya is an Msc. in data analytics, offered by KCA university.

 

How much does the Data Science course cost in Kenya?

On average, it will cost you between kshs. 80000 to Kshs. 200000 to complete a data science certification course in Kenya.

The most affordable programs are those offered online.

 

The future of data science in Kenya and the wider East Africa region.

Our world today is increasingly becoming data-driven.

And that means the demand for data scientists is exploding everywhere you go on the planet.

But is data Science marketable in Kenya?

Well, companies in Kenya have not been left behind and we have started to see a consistent flow of job adverts requiring data science skills in the local media.

This is expected to continue rising in the foreseeable future.

And the good thing is that salaries are excellent because there aren’t enough professionals yet.

In fact, according to PayScale.com, a mid-level data scientist with an average of 5-9 years of job experience earns an annual compensation of over Kshs. 10M ($107,932).

Data science courses in Kenya – What other courses should you have to be hired for data science careers?

For the most part, data science jobs require that you have the following additional qualifications:

  • Bsc. in Computer science/Statistics/ Mathematics or
  • A Bachelor’s Degree in economics or social sciences.
  • Good scripting as well as programming skills in languages such as C++, Java etc.
  • Knowledge of Oracle Analytics and related tools.
  • Project management expertise using Agile methodologies like Scrum.

You, of course, stand a great chance if you possess outstanding applied statistics skills like statistical testing and regression.

Most of the jobs also need you to have strong communications/interpersonal skills and an ability to quickly grasp business problems too.

 

Data science course in Kenya [Frequently asked questions]

What will it take to become a reputable data scientist?

To qualify for data science jobs in Kenya or become a consultant in big data analytics in Kenya, you need a degree in math, statistics, computer science, engineering, or a related area.

Next, you have to get the right skills by joining a professional data science course.

Besides, you must build expertise by attending an internship (3 months and above) in a busy organization.

Where can I learn data science?

Most of the colleges offering data management courses in Kenya train in data science.

And as mentioned earlier, Moringa is one of the very best schools offering a data science course in Kenya.

Others are Strathmore University and the occasional data science bootcamps by institutions like JKUAT (confirm from them when they have their next bootcamp).

Data science courses in Kenya – Wrapping it up

In a globe that’s changing extremely quick, the only strategy guaranteed to flounder (fail) is not embracing risks- Mark Zuckerberg
So, why not take up a data science career while the opportunity lasts?

Good luck and remember to like our Facebook page here for more informative career guides.

PS: You may have to check with international online schools if you want to take a Diploma since we are not aware of any colleges offering diploma in data science in Kenya (yet)

ALSO READ:

Universities Offering Data Science in Kenya

Online short courses in Kenya

Statistics courses in Kenya (All you need to know)

Coding Schools in Kenya: The best 7 Coding Colleges in Kenya

What are the most marketable short courses in Kenya?

4 thoughts on “Data science course in Kenya [All you need to know]”

  1. Great eye-opener John. Moi University also offers these two courses that can link well with data science jobs;
    1. BSc Applied Statistics with Computing
    2. BSc Computer Science

    Reply

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