Strathmore University Launch Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics (MSc. DSA) a unique graduate program to equip participants with a deep mastery of the business and IT underpinnings of Data Science and Analytics and provide the Kenyan market with highly skilled data scientists. The program is a collaboration between Strathmore Institute of Mathematical Sciences (SIMS) and @iLabAfrica Research and Innovation Centre.
We are currently in an era where government and industry are moving towards data centered decision making to better serve their constituents and clients. Skills such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Big Data Analytics are on a high demand everywhere.
To help uncover the true value of data, the MSc. in Data Science and Analytics is for all professionals looking to harness data in new, innovative ways and make data-driven decisions.
Speaking during the launch Chief Guest speaker, Dr. Julius Kipng’etich – Group CEO Jubilee Insuarance said, “We need to use data science to understand customer behavior. Even the media industry need understand the customer in a very special way where data will help to customise news they provide individual customers on various different platforms depending on the consumers generated patterns.”
He added “We need to start thinking of our education system, is it competitive enough so as to drive the culture for demand for knowledge generated from Data, which gives information that generates knowledge that finally gives us the wisdom we need in decision making. This is what I believe the Masters of Science in Data Science and Analytics will achieve. We need to put a lot of emphasis in the education system on science and mathematics. We must re-look on how we teach Mathematics and science as a country because it is an ingredient skill in creating a data science culture.”
95% of the world’s data has been created in just the past 2 years. Data is the next natural resource and Big Data is becoming the new differentiating factor of production. Faced with overwhelming
amounts of data, organisations are struggling to extract the powerful insights they need to make smarter business decisions
During his opening remarks, Dr. Vincent Ogutu – Vice Chancellor Designate, Strathmore University mentioned, “The answers are already there in the data, which is everywhere, but somehow we are not using these data. We keep using the old methods yet, if we just did the analysis, we would find the appropriate answers we are looking for in our organizations.”
“It is scary to think of how much power people who hold your data, have over you. I am hoping in this course we will get professionals who can help us find solutions from data and the same time be very ethical enough to help us understand how to protect ourselves from the people who access to our data that is very exposed.”
Dr. Sevilla – Director of @iLabAfrica – Strathmore University stated, “Data science is combination of skills where people are able to understand mathematical models, how to implement these models using computer programs, applications and software and then apply this knowledge into businesses.”
“We are bringing out the skills of business, IT and mathematical modeling with the aim of shaping people who fall under business, IT and Mathematical modeling and are going to apply these skills in businesses.
Dr. Godfrey Madigu – Dean of Strathmore Institute of Mathematical Sciences (SIMS) said, “There has been a lot of work which has been put into this launch. It has not been easy but we are actually confident that what will be delivered by Strathmore University is really outstanding.”
Others in attendance and shared the concerns about the scarcity of data scientists in our Kenya market during the panel discussion were; Anastasia Kariuki – Associate Director KPMG EA, David Nyamai – Head of Big Data and Business Analytics, Safaricom, Bhartesh Shah –Group Chief Operations Officer I&M Bank, Prof Thomas Achia – Senior Statistician and Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, University of the Western Cape and Dr. John Olukuru, Head of Data science and Analytics.
For more information on the course visit www.strathmore.edu/msc-dsa/
About @iLabAfrica Research and Innovation Centre
@iLabAfrica is a Centre of Excellence in ICT Innovation and Development at Strathmore University. The center spearheads Research and Innovation in Information Communication Technology for the Development (ICT4D) of ecosystems towards the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to contribute toward Kenya’s Vision 2030. The research center is involved in interdisciplinary research, students’ engagement and has
partnered with over 800 institutions (Universities, NGOs, foundations and government) worldwide and other funding agencies. For more information, please visit www.ilabafrica.ac.ke
About Strathmore Institute of Mathematical Sciences Strathmore Institute of Mathematical Sciences (SIMS) was established in 2010 and launched on August 18, 2011.The main mandate of SIMS is to conduct and coordinate mathematical-based research in the University and to initiate, promote and undertake collaborative research with industry and other institutions of higher learning. These collaborations between the Institute and other faculties and organizations are intended to serve as a driver for research enhancement and innovation across the University.
