Teaching Computer Science in Kenya for Global Competitiveness
April 4, 2023
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
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Berkman Klein Multipurpose Room (Room 515)
1557 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
Skills in responsible and ethical computing are crucial for Kenyan educators to prepare the next generation of computer scientists who will solve the region’s most pressing socio-economic issues. This talk will explore the growing and thriving landscape of Kenya’s higher education and tech ecosystem by highlighting the gaps, opportunities, and social implications of responsible computing within the Kenyan context. With specific examples of how responsible innovation has been used to nurture employability and innovation among Kenyan tech students, this talk will showcase the impact of empowering students with holistic thinking and learning. The audience will also learn about the inaugural Responsible Computing Challenge in Kenya by Mozilla Foundation and what is envisioned over the next year and beyond.
Speakers:
Dr Chao Mbogho is a multi-award-winning Kenyan Computer Science educator, mentor, speaker, and leader whose work intersects teaching computer programming in resource-constrained environments, supporting educators in Kenya to create impactful curricula, and designing effective structured mentoring programs. Her innovation-oriented approach, academic excellence, and leadership expertise have seen her receive nearly 30 awards, scholarships, and fellowships. For example, in 2020, she was the first Kenyan to receive the distinguished global OWSD-Elsevier award in Engineering, Technology, and Innovation. Chao’s work has been featured in Forbes, VOGUE, The Conversation Africa, and she also delivered a TEDx talk titled ‘Holding up the Ladder’. She recently joined Mozilla Foundation as the Responsible Computing Challenge Fellow to support Kenyan educators in delivering ethical and responsible curricula. Chao is also the Founder and CEO of KamiLimu, an impactful structured mentorship social enterprise that complements classroom learning for university students in tech in Kenya.
Before transitioning to industry, Chao worked in academia as a Senior Lecturer of Computing and the Dean of the School of Science and Technology at Kenya Methodist University. Dr Chao holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Cape Town, an MSc in Computer Science from the University of Oxford, and a BSc in Mathematics and Computer Science from Kenya Methodist University.