Estonian programming school opens in Nairobi; more than 800 young Kenyans apply for one of 50 ESTDEV-funded spots

With support from the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), the Estonian programming school //kood, founded in Jõhvi in 2021, will launch its first on-site study programme in Nairobi, Kenya, this September.  

From the 800 original applicants, 80 were selected to begin this week's Selection Sprint, //kood's intensive admissions process. Those who successfully complete the sprint will secure a place in the kood/Nairobi programme starting this autumn. 

kood/Nairobi will support the development of the skilled IT workforce needed for Kenya's rapidly growing digital economy. ESTDEV is providing funding for 50 learners in September's cohort. 

"For Estonia, supporting digital skills development in Kenya is an opportunity to share our experience in building a digital society and modern education system while creating long-term partnerships with Kenya's fast-growing technology sector," said Katrin Winter, ESTDEV's head of partnerships. "Estonia's development cooperation is not only about transferring knowledge. It is about building partnerships where our experience helps address local challenges while creating new opportunities for collaboration." 

Winter added that Kenya is one of East Africa's leading technology hubs, where the demand for both digital services and qualified ICT professionals is growing rapidly. 

"By supporting the development of local talent, Estonia contributes to building a stronger and more sustainable digital economy while laying the foundation for new partnerships between Estonian and Kenyan businesses, educational institutions and innovation communities," Winter said. 

Developing digital skills is one of Kenya's national priorities. Both the country's Vision 2030 Development Strategy and the National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032 identify digital skills development and strengthening the local ICT sector as key objectives. 

Interest in the programme exceeded expectations. Applicants registered from across Kenya and represent a wide range of backgrounds, including teachers, healthcare professionals, agricultural specialists, entrepreneurs and artists. Nearly 40% of applicants have no previous programming experience. 

"Estonia's own development story shows that digital transformation begins with people. That is why we invest in skills and opportunities. kood/Nairobi equips young people with the knowledge they need to succeed in a growing digital economy while empowering them to create new jobs and businesses," said Olga Bogdanova, ESTDEV's regional adviser for Africa. 

kood/Nairobi is run by the Estonian programming school //kood, whose graduates work in more than 150 technology companies. The Nairobi programme is the school's first educational programme outside Europe. 

"After a successful pilot project, where Kenyan learners studied online alongside Estonian students, expanding to Nairobi was the natural next step. The diversity of applicants confirms that you do not need an IT background to enter the technology sector. What matters most is motivation and a willingness to learn," said Mari-Liis Kitter, co-founder of //kood. 

"Kenya has an incredible number of young people with the interest and potential to build careers in technology, but not everyone has the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills through traditional education. The strength of the //kood model lies in the fact that it is open to people from all backgrounds," Kitter added. 

The programme is delivered in partnership with Kenyatta University and is based on //kood's peer-learning model. There are no traditional lectures or teacher-led classes. Instead, students develop their skills through hands-on projects, solving real-world challenges and providing peer feedback. Over the course of the 12-month programme, participants acquire the knowledge and practical skills needed to work as software, product or AI engineers. In addition to technical expertise, they develop skills in problem-solving, teamwork and independent learning. 

ESTDEV supports the programme through its Africa Call for Proposals. This year’s funding for the kood/Nairobi programme is €80,000.