[kictanet] The Premier B.Sc. Computer Science Programme in Kenya

Mon Nov 9 17:19:40 EAT 2009

Muthoni,

I would like to thank the UoN team for this brilliant initiative. I feel
some aroma of good leadership. I know for sure, that universities are not
mandated to inject junks into the markets. It is for this reason that, I am
motivated to provide my input below.

* Consider embedding an industrial attachment(s) within the program to allow
students interact with the industries before graduating. in my opinion, this
might be a good opportunity, if used well, to have the student market
themselves (and UoN).
* Consider introducing other specializations/programs like Software
Engineering, Information Management (Refer to Computer Science Body of
Knowledge).
* UoN to take leadership and develop an organization/society responsible for
developing a common body of knowledge for all IT/IS/CS programs.Is it
possible to use this one, instead of a branded one?
* Research Project: Have the project include at least an academic and an
external supervisor (from the industry).
* Liaise with some a number of companies that can provide opportunities to
deal with a certain specific problem in the industry. UoN might partner with
these companies in commercializing the idea, if involved from the beginning.
* I think the social and professional issues are not covered well by the
current bouquet of courses.

It is good to see a university not only responsible for quantity of the
graduates but also in their quality. How else does it become competitive?

Former student.

On Mon, Nov 9, 2009 at 2:08 PM, Muthoni Masinde <muthoni at uonbi.ac.ke> wrote:

>  Washington,
> Like Tim Waema has mentioned, we do not have a new curriculum but are
> currently developing one.  What I sent out in my previous email is the
> current one that we would like to modify and incorporate your (the
> stakeholders) input.
>
> Regards,
> Muthoni
>
>
>
>
> On 11/9/09 12:31 PM, "Okoth Washington" <wokoth at kebs.org> wrote:
>
> Good afternoon Madam,
>
> Kindly circulate the current proposal to enable us review and positively
> contribute to it in line with the two issues you raised.
>
> I would also like to share Agosta’ s view on stakeholders forum
>
> Okoth Washington
>
>
> *From:* kictanet-bounces+wokoth=kebs.org at lists.kictanet.or.ke [
> mailto:kictanet-bounces+wokoth=kebs.org at lists.kictanet.or.ke]<kictanet-bounces+wokoth=kebs.org at lists.kictanet.or.ke]>
> *On Behalf Of *Muthoni Masinde
> *Sent:* 08 November 2009 16:45
> *To:* Okoth Washington
> *Cc:* moturi; waema at uonbi.ac.ke; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
> *Subject:* [kictanet] The Premier B.Sc. Computer Science Programme in
> Kenya
>
> Hello everyone,
>
> Below is a brief description of the first (in Kenya) Bachelor of Science in
> Computer Science programme; it is currently under review:
> *
>
> MOTIVATIONS AND OBJECTIVES
> *
> The School of Computing & Informatics (formerly Institute of Computer
> Science) of the University of Nairobi launched the Bachelor of Science
> (Computer Science) programme in 1992. The programme was aimed at meeting
> perceived development needs in Kenya, which it has done very well. Indeed,
> most of the computer science professionals in industry today have been
> developed through this programme. However, with experience in offering this
> programme and given changes in national development needs as well as changes
> in the fast evolving area of IT, it has become necessary to revise this
> programme.
>
> This programme is part of a set of academic programmes (Masters programmes
> in: 1) Computer Science, 2) Applied Computer Science and 3) Information
> Systems as well as PhD in Computer Science) at the School that have been *
> motivated* by the following needs at the national level:
>
> (a)   The need for Kenya to harness IT for increased productivity and
> effectiveness in all sectors of the economy for national prosperity.
> (b)  The need for widespread socio-economic awareness (in Kenya) of the
> purpose and capabilities of information systems.
> (c)   The need for Kenya to participate effectively in and reap maximum
> benefits from the global information economy.
> (d)  The need to address the increasing demand for IT education in the
> world of work.
>
> The specific *objectives* of the Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)
> programme are:
> (a)       To present the theoretical foundations in computer science and to
> integrate these theories in a way that gives the learner deep knowledge of
> computer science
> (b)       To enable learners to use the knowledge gained to analyze, design
> and implement solutions to a wide range of real-world problems.
> (c)       To develop learners who are practical and problem
> solving-oriented and capable of life-long learning.
> (d)       To contribute to the production of computer science and
> information systems professionals required at the various levels of our
> nation’s industrial development and thereby be a partner in the industrial
> development of Kenya.
>
> *PROGRAMME REVIEW GUIDELINES
> *A number of us in the KICTANET list have a stake in this programme; we
> are either current/potential employers/parents/guardians of these graduates
> or we could be current/past students of this programme or even policy makers
> in relevant sectors.  We will appreciate if you could share with us your
> general views on the following two issues:
>
>
>    1. The kind of Computer Science graduate the market needs; in terms of
>    knowledge and skills
>    2. The kind of courses you would recommend to be critical for this
>    graduate
>
>
> Sent by Muthoni Masinde (Lecturer, School of Computing and Informatics) in
> consultation with:
> Christopher  Moturi (Deputy Director, School of Computing and Informatics)
> Tim Waema (Professor, School of Computing and Informatics)
>
>
> Thank you
>
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> The University of Nairobi is committed to providing quality services to all
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> from time to time through an effective implementation of the Quality
> Management System based on ISO 9001:2008 standard.
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> UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI IS ISO CERTIFIED
>
> The University of Nairobi is committed to providing quality services to all
> its clients. The University will monitor and review its quality performance
> from time to time through an effective implementation of the Quality
> Management System based on ISO 9001:2008 standard.
>
> University of Nairobi Website: http://www.uonbi.ac.ke/
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