On Wednesday, 30th April 2025, a promising new chapter began at Africa International University (AIU) as the Department of Informatics and Information Technology (IIT) hosted a strategic engagement with ByteLab, the educational innovation wing of ByteAnza. The meeting brought together minds passionate about transforming tech education for young people across Kenya. With AIU already offering a Certificate in Animation and Robotics, this partnership is set to elevate the course by infusing it with real-world industry exposure and hands-on experience.
The AIU team was led by Mr. Jared Maranga, Head of Department, alongside Mr. Rodgers Ajil Jalo (Lecturer and Partnerships Lead), Ms. Monicah Hinga (Graduate Teaching Assistant), and Ms. Scholar Millen Mukoya, the institution’s lead in Animation and Creative Media. Representing ByteLab were Joshua (Agricultural Scientist), Davis (Computer Engineer), and Brian Kipruto (Astrophysicist) — a multidisciplinary trio deeply invested in STEM empowerment for children and teens.
The engagement focused on aligning AIU’s certificate program more closely with current industry demands. By collaborating with ByteLab, which has already run multiple successful boot camps for learners aged 8 to 18, AIU seeks to enhance its curriculum, expand its outreach, and integrate learner-centred, project-based methodologies into its offering. Discussions included formal certification for ByteLab learners, the development of beginner-friendly robotics modules, and using AIU’s Innovation Hub as a home base for boot camps and mentorship activities.
Both parties expressed strong interest in co-developing a values-driven STEM curriculum that reflects ethical innovation, hands-on technical competence, and a deeper connection between theory and practice. Plans are already underway to host a ByteLab Bootcamp in May 2025 on the AIU campus, followed by facilitator training in August to grow teaching capacity.
To build momentum toward this August Mega Bootcamp, the team has committed to hosting three free mini bootcamps in the months leading up to it. These camps will specifically target children and teenagers aged 8 to 17, offering them early exposure to Robotics, AI, and Creative Tech. The mini-camps are not only meant to inspire participation but also to ensure equitable access to foundational digital skills for young learners from diverse backgrounds.
This partnership is more than a handshake. It’s a practical step towards transforming how we prepare the next generation for Africa’s digital future
“This partnership is more than a handshake. It’s a practical step towards transforming how we prepare the next generation for Africa’s digital future,” remarked Mr. Jared Maranga.
With joint funding proposals and a Memorandum of Understanding on the horizon, the collaboration marks a timely and strategic move — strengthening AIU’s existing programs while expanding ByteLab’s impact.
At AIU and ByteLab, the vision is clear: build not just consumers of technology, but confident creators — one byte at a time.