The University of Nairobi and Oracle Academy collaborated to hold a training on Wednesday, March 29, with the title SKILLS FOR TRAINING course ON ORACLE PRIMAVERA P6 FOR CONSTRUCTION AND ENGINEERING PROJECT MANAGEMENT. The training was held in honor of UNESCO World Engineering Month for Sustainable Development 2023, with the theme Engineering Innovation for a more resilient World.

This workshop was conducted in collaboration with the University of Nairobi Faculty of Built Environment and Design, Construction and Real Estate Student Association (CRESA), and Oracle Academy, a long-time partner of the University of Nairobi.

The workshop’s main objective was to improve skill development and raise knowledge of the effectiveness and cost-effective advantages of the Oracle software by instructing construction and engineering students on how to use Oracle Primavera P6 for project management.

Oracle Kenya Country Leader David Bunei and Nairobi University Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Kiama attended the event. They both delivered major addresses on Harnessing the Power of Innovation and Digital Transformation in the Construction Industry.

“No one can achieve greatness alone, which is why this partnership between Oracle and Nairobi University is important,” Mr. Bunei said during his speech.

Oracle Kenya Country Leader David Bunei giving a speech at the Workshop in Nairobi University. Photo/Courtesy

As a firm believer in teamwork, he urged everyone to appreciate how an extra hand brings out the best in everyone. “We’re leveraging our key strengths to bring out the best in each other,” he insisted.

Prof. Stephen Kiama expressed gratitude for the Oracle Academy cooperation as well as the Primavera P6 tools during his speech. “The Oracle Primavera Skills Workshop for Construction and Engineering Project Management is critical in developing capacities for construction and engineering students to gain skills and knowledge on project management efficiency and cost effectiveness.”

Prof. Stephen Kiama the Vice Chancellor of University of Nairobi giving a speech at the event. Photo/Courtesy

Oracle Academy Director Danny Gooris welcomed everyone, including those who had participated virtually and in person.

Regional Manager East Africa Christopher Muthere, Principal Technology solution Engineer, Marion Karanja spoke at the event and also participated in the panel discussions.

Miss Karanja discussed her college experience as a female engineer and the challenges she faced in this male-dominated profession. She urged both men and women to never doubt their problem-solving skills. Miss Karanja stated that her biggest issue in college was self-doubt. She emphasized that no one should be afraid to seek assistance from their professors or advisors, and that information should be shared in order to advance.

Darko Jurekovic, Program Manager at the Croatian Oracle Academy, assisted with the Primavera P6 software training. He demonstrated the software to the students and teachers, explaining its importance in construction and real estate, how to use it, and how Oracle offers it for free. Oracle Primavera P6 is a powerful project management tool used by businesses to handle projects, programs, and portfolios.

Its primary purpose is to help project managers and teams effectively plan, schedule, and control their projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the desired level of quality.

The software assists in the resolution of specific problems such as project planning, resource management, cost control, and risk management. It also allows project team members to effectively cooperate, share information and updates, and communicate progress in real-time.

Students during the Oracle Primavera P6 training. Photo/Courtesy

Primavera P6 includes powerful reporting and analytics capabilities, allowing project managers to create customized reports and dashboards to track progress, identify patterns, and make data-driven decisions.

Because it is an essential tool for project management, students should be familiar with the Oracle Primavera P6 software. It helps with project management, resource management, risk management, cost management, collaboration, and communication.

According to Tom Oketch, a lecturer in Quantity Survey and Construction Management at the University of Nairobi, the Oracle Primavera P6 is important because it provides students with a wide range of opportunities. “A lot of construction projects use software,” he continues. “Learning it puts a student in a better position to understand more elements,” he says, adding that he expects Oracle Academy to push for the inclusion of Oracle P6 software in the curriculum and classroom instruction.

Architect Peter Njeru, head of the University of Nairobi’s school of real estate and construction management, is grateful for the exposure the students have received as a result of Oracle P6 training, claiming that the software is more advanced than what they are taught in class. “The market has complex and diverse projects,” he says, hoping that the training will equip students with the skills needed to handle the challenges they will face.

According to Antony Muoki, the president of CRESA and a student at the University of Nairobi studying quantity survey and construction management, the decision to partner with Oracle Academy was made because the organization noticed that many engineering and construction professionals lacked the necessary technological skills after completing their education. He goes on to state that the students needed the training to be ready for the workforce. He plans to extend his collaboration with Oracle Academy.

CRESA president Anthony Muoki with Martin Omondi Ochieng’ the Governor of CRESA. Photo/Courtesy

Mathew Mutero, a Technical University of Kenya student majoring in Construction Management, expressed gratitude to Oracle for the skills workshop, stating that the software will be crucial in shaping his future path. “It’s not just about having a project and planning for it; you have to consider all dimensions,” he says, adding that the software is useful not only for students studying real estate, construction management, and quantity surveying, but also for contractors and business owners. He continues by claiming that Primavera P6 will create better professionals and reduce the number of construction collisions.

Before the training, Benard Mwangi, a student at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, claims he was already using the Oracle P6 software. He adds that he has been researching it on YouTube for the past four months. He appreciates the exposure and experience he has gained and advises students to the training the training seriously because the Software is essential for success in the outside world.

Lorna Juma, program manager at Oracle Academy, expressed gratitude to everyone who helped make the event a success by joining the workshop. “Working with universities is something Oracle believes is critical to attracting top talent, utilizing cutting-edge research, developing curricula, supporting community outreach, and raising brand awareness,” she explained why Oracle’s partnership with universities is important. “We will continue these partnerships in order for Oracle to maintain its market competitiveness, encourage creativity, and support the growth of the technology sector.”

This event was held to celebrate engineering with the future workforce.

CRESA student leader, David Bunei, Lorna Juma, Christopher Mathenge and Kevin Kabuye during the event. Photo/Courtesy

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To mark the International Women’s Day 2023, themed Innovation and technology for gender equality, Oracle academy in collaboration with African Summit on Entrepreneurship and Innovation-ASENTI and Riara university held an event to bring together women in Tech in Kenya.

The forum sought to tackle questions and stereotypical ideas of women in tech and the strides they have made to become successful women in the industry.

The women were also educated on key aspects that the company gives priority as a way of promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and technology for women in the sector.

March 8th has been earmarked as the day which acts as a focal point in the women’s rights movements bringing attention to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, violence and abuse against women.

This day which was commemorated under the theme DigitALL; Innovation and Technology for gender equality highlighted the role of innovative technology in promoting gender equality and meeting health and developmental needs of women and girls.

A common observation among the panel was the gap between men and women in the highly dominated field. According to the Global gender gap report 2020 published by World economic forum, it will take around 100 years for the world to reach gander parity.

Cloud Platform Senior Account Manager Lorna Misoi of Oracle Academy thanked men for being instrumental in promoting equity in the society adding the main goal of the academy is to reduce the gender gap and recruit more females in the tech world.

The Global Peace Foundation Kenya under the invitation of Oracle Academy at Riara University to celebrate International Women’s day 2023.

“Women ought to start fighting for these spaces even though the gap is tremendously closing up” she added.

One of the main reasons women leave the tech industry is the gender stereotype that it is a masculine profession. For a while now this stereotype is ingrained by the society everywhere. Many women have been discouraged from studying computer science and engineering courses. Even when women enrol in tech-related courses, many do not consider pursuing a career in IT.

Studies have shown that diversity in companies is important. The multiple perspectives of a diverse team are key to innovation. Commercial Director for Technology at Oracle Academy Christine Ambektsa added that women’s perspective is needed since products are not sold to men only. Also, women teammates may bring in a different culture and work atmosphere that can boost team morale.

The challenge for women in the tech world however, is dealing with macho and misogynist culture within the industry.

Speakers also noted that women and men have distinctive communication styles, which means the workplace must be committed to mutual learning and listening to each other.

Another challenge commonly faced by women is the work-family balance due to the high pressure and heavy workload of some technical positions. But Oracle Academic programme manager Lorna Juma pointed out that this is a major challenge for both women and men. “There are dedicated fathers who are struggling to balance work and family despite co-parenting”.

Lorna Juma urged women to believe in themselves: acknowledging the steps they have made to join the tech world not forgetting the many challenges. Juma also added that many efforts have been put to ensure women continue to advance in careers and uplift each other.

Riara University being an oracle Academy member has made great strides in championing innovation and giving opportunities to young girls and women to take lead.

Sheryl Mboya , a Kenyan youth, an innovator, a computer science scholar and a legal scholar at Riara University prides of the increase of young women in the male dominated field. “I am proud of the many young females who are now owning spaces in the digital world, facing challenges and addressing them head on”

Sheryl says that the IT space is no longer a male owned department as perceived before “More Women need to venture into the industry and take a seat on the table”

“As long as you have the passion and the drive the technology world is everybody’s space” she urged.

Oracle academy has put in place in various countries to democratize girls’ technology education and support them in career development. The institution has set aside girl child programmes and increased female participation in tech industries women businesses. They have provisions of first-hand experience to females who would want to venture into the tech-based organizations and companies.

Oracle Academy resources are open to provide women across the country with stable and advanced knowledge on how to fight for their rights and fit in the competitive world of technology.

The Global peace foundation Kenya works closely with Oracle Academy in training educators on computing skills and ICT integration in teaching and learning.

From the earliest days of computing to the present age of virtual reality and artificial intelligence, women have made untold contributions to the digital world in which we increasingly live. Their accomplishments have been against all odds, in a field that has historically neither welcomed nor appreciated them.

Today, a persistent gender gap in digital access keeps women from unlocking technology’s full potential. Their underrepresentation in STEM education and careers remains a major barrier to their participation in tech design and governance. And the pervasive threat of online gender-based violence—coupled with a lack of legal recourse—too often forces them out of the digital spaces they do occupy.

This annual event explored the impact of gender gaps in the 21st century that continues to create inequality and economic imbalance.

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The statement by the Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua on allowing Kenyans to farm in the forests can be a plus or a minus, depending on the lenses you chose to look at it with. The shamba system or otherwise referred to as plantations establishment for livelihood improvement scheme (PELIS) has great benefits when practised well within set policies.

Such a scheme is mainly geared towards increasing forest cover and improving community livelihoods. However, it might open a window for crafty farmers to take advantage of the forest. It is also important to note, under the shamba system, people are not allowed to settle in the forest.

Forests play essential, economic, social and cultural roles, yet they are being degraded at a rate higher than any other natural ecosystems.

According to the Global Forest Watch, between 2001 to 2021 Kenya lost 368kha of tree cover, equivalent to 11% decrease in tree cover since 2000. There’s more to a forest than the trees we see standing.

Understanding the environmental conservation issues before delving into the shamba agroforestry system is paramount to farmers. As it sits, not all trees can be used for such a scheme. Trees that are agro-friendly such as cordia africana and gravellia are recommended for such a scheme. Unfortunately, most Kenyans are illiterate when it comes to biodiversity issues. They see nature as a mere resource to be exploited for commercial gain.

Massive loss in tree cover will only mean inevitable decrease in rainfall. The food we think we will be able to grow will lack the required rain, forcing us further into the food aid begging queues in western capitals.

For a fact, the environment does not punish the abusers of today, but rather the innocent children of tomorrow. As the government is trying to sketch a clear roadmap towards food security, there is also a need to take heed of climate change.

Kenya boasts of 5,800 thousand hectares of arable land. This is big enough to achieve the food security goal and also sustain the country’s starving areas such as the North Eastern.

The great environmental campaigner, Wangari Maathai was vehemently opposed to the shamba system. She argued that allowing food production within the forest was slowly damaging the centuries-old eco-system, no matter how many trees were planted. The Nobel laureate had a good fight against shamba systems for more than a decade which she eventually won.

Pledging a return of the Moi-era shamba system might also call for a stern awareness on environmental conservation and biodiversity. As much as the shamba system is a good idea, most Kenyans don’t have the discipline to practice it within the policies of Kenya Forest Service.

Once the system is re-introduced, there are high chances that farmers will turn indigenous forests into farmlands which will only harm the biodiversity. The current problem with shamba systems is mainly due to the indiscipline which has permeated every aspect of our society.

Communities are the best stewards of their natural resources. Shading light towards citizens at large will go a long way. In as much as Kenya Forest Service has an elaborate system on how to implement the scheme, a large number of farmers are yet to understand the issues on biodiversity, climate change and environmental conservation. Also, how the all matrix can be affected in case they go against the policies.

There’s an absolute need to understand that we need our forests, just as much as we need to improve the livelihoods of our communities. We need the forests for the rain water that would help our maize to grow. The balance is very, very important.

When the awareness is well served and the system practised with discipline, it will improve the livelihoods of the people, boost the economy and save the future generations from climate change ordeals.

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Being in a male-dominated society that’s being empowered by feminist rule, much is still left uncovered. Truth be told women’s empowerment is now a global anthem. From accepting women’s viewpoints to making effort.

Though as a society we have a long way to go more so when it comes to engaging women in the political issues of their land.

We’ve had women being vocal about empowerment, and the young women are striving for the same notion without understanding the importance of access to these privileges. This brings us to the point we ask is feminism here to break cultural norms or just embrace education and status?

Come to think of it politics is the basic foundation of an economy yet our young women are left out of the grip. There is much in the space that remains undisclosed yet it affects the whole dynamics of freedom and acknowledgment of rights.

With the help of our fore women such as Wangari Maathai, who was known for being a humanitarian. Her main focus was in line with the empowerment of women. She used her political position as a weapon to enlighten other women and create an aid for their growth.

Michelle Obama never took a back sit as the first lady. Despite the need to create awareness and embrace education among women, she encouraged the need to be aware of your voice and its impact on society.

We are fond of hearing about gender equality and access to information but the need to be clear about the impacts of politics remains unprocessed, without apprehending the influence it has on our lives, whether directly or indirectly.

Here are some of the reasons as a society we should consider enlightening our girls on matters of politics.

Economic Productivity

As it is popularly said, politics is the foundation of an economy, this statement is not familiar to many ears. Facts are said that productivity is only improved when the output is maximized.

This can only be achieved when a woman is empowered. This is through access to education and employment. Which was brought to light through the gender equality movement, that was pushed forward by women who accessed the political position.

Through gender equality, women were able to access equal pay that helped improve the living standard of their families. This abridged the housewife norm which led to more input that affect the economic productivity of a nation.

Understanding their Rights

Here is the question of how one will know her rights when they have limited knowledge of their rights as a woman. Many women were subjected to domestic violence because cultures denied them a voice.

They were tuned to the toxicity because they didn’t know any better about their self-worth in the name of submission and maintaining marriage vows. The rights to speech and the right to expression forced them to pass the same trauma from generation to generation.

It’s time to engage our young women with matters of the public and show them the responsibilities it comes with it including the impacts it plays in our day-to-day life.

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A start-up that was started with an environmental enthusiast cum IT guru, has bloomed to give opportunities for other entrepreneurs who produce eco-friendly products. Most of the products they deal with are reusable, recyclable and are biodegradable.

The start-up, branded Omart earned attention in August 2021 when the ministry of Environment and Forestry announced the launch of a campaign titled ‘Taka ni Mali’ geared at tackling environmental challenges such as waste and pollution in Nairobi, Kenya.

Statistics from Global E-waste Monitor report of 2020 shows that a record 53.6 million metric tonnes of electronic waste was generated globally in 2019, marking a 21 percent jump in just five years. The data projected that global e-waste will reach 74 metric tonnes by 2030 making e-waste the world’s fastest-growing domestic waste stream.

‘’There are a lot of reasons that led to the idea of starting up Omart. Looking at our human behaviours, we tend to dispose waste without caring for the environment. This does not only affect the environment but also put our health at risk. We are embracing the circular economy whereby our products don’t have waste at the end of usage. They can be reused and still remain to be resourceful. ’’ Says, Okonu.

The circular economy has played a major role in helping to reduce waste. It is made possible since most of the products can be used again and again unlike the traditional linear economic model which is based on using a product and throwing away the waste.

‘’The world is now at 7.9 billion people, meaning the resources are reducing day by day. This has led to high extraction of raw materials which is extremely ‘unhealthy’ to our environment with the emissions of CO2. So, having such environmentally sustainable business model is a huge plus to the environment.’’ He says.

The Omart start-up is no different to the modern online shopping, just that it focuses on products that are carbon-neutral and toxic-free. ‘’We give a platform for a seller dealing with eco-friendly products and also offer buyers a one-stop arena to get such products. Ideally, we are the link between the production and the consumption point. We intend to replace plastic products and thus we have products such as the bamboo toothbrush and organic skincare products, ’’ Okonu adds.

Convincing prospective buyers to embrace the circular economy has been one of the major challengers especially in a country where online shopping has had cluster of criticism from consumers. Consumers in Kenya are used to the traditional linear economic model. Earning the trust of potential buyers and get them to buy a product they are not used to and especially through online platform is not a walk in the park.

‘’Another challenge is getting vendors who deal with organic products. When we were starting, there were a good number of sellers who wished to have their products on our platform. We however couldn’t accept because of the p[products they were selling. Our focus is fully tuned to eco-friendly products. We not only deal with products produced in Kenya but all over the world. We are trying to reach a larger market hence doing most of the transactions online since we know someone in another country may also be interested in our products. That’s the power of technology taking its course.’’

Okonu agrees that the adoption of circular economy will not only save the environment but also create employment opportunities to young people and boost economies.

‘’We are building a network of youths to sell on our platform; we incorporate young entrepreneurs who are environmental conscious and help them sell their products to their target markets. Like they say, we are the leaders of tomorrow, it is best when we also consider the environment we’ll be in that tomorrow.’’ He says

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