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Eric Kiplangat
Design & AI
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How we are shaping Data Analytics at Martial Jenga Labs
I’d describe data as fragile blocks containing information, like a Jenga game….layer after layer of ‘uniquely’ organised blocks, similar to how systems break it down into fixed-size or variable-size chunks called “blocks.” Each block containing;
- Actual data: The information you want to store (records, transactions, files)
- Metadata: Information about the data (timestamps, size, location)
- Pointers/References: Links to other blocks or locations
Kenya has rapidly emerged as East Africa’s technology powerhouse, earning the moniker “Silicon Savannah” through its innovative approach to digital transformation. Over the past decade, the country has witnessed a remarkable evolution in data analytics capabilities, transforming how businesses, governments, and educational institutions leverage information for decision-making. At the forefront of this revolution stands Martial Jenga Labs.
Initially, Kenya’s data analytics landscape faced significant hurdles. According to industry reports, there was low understanding of big data and its acceptance into business strategy. Furthermore, converting data into actionable insights proved challenging for many organizations, with most companies remaining clueless about the value they could extract.
During this period, only a handful of institutions offered data science training. Consequently, the market struggled with insufficient skilled workforce and limited access to high-quality data. Moreover, most data analytics services catered exclusively to listed companies, leaving small and medium enterprises underserved.
The Transformation Era
By 2020, organizations across Kenya started experiencing a surge in demand for data analytics tools and services. Specifically, the government began actively promoting data-driven decision-making across various departments. Additionally, the financial sector embraced data analytics for credit risk assessment, fraud detection, and product personalization, while the agricultural sector employed predictive analytics to improve crop yields.
During this transformative period, specialized training institutions recognized the critical need for locally-contextualized data science education. Importantly, experts emphasized that Kenya needed native data science trainers who understood local datasets. As one industry professional noted, foreign experts had little knowledge of the socio-political and economic issues happening locally, making local examples essential for effective learning.
Enter Martial Jenga Labs
We established ourselves as a forward-thinking educational institution focused on bridging the gap between traditional education and the rapidly evolving tech industry. Significantly, the school’s mission centers on unleashing Africa’s genius to help solve global problems through rigorous training in data science, software development, and related technologies
Comprehensive Jenga Labs Curriculum
The school offers specialized programmes including:
- Data Science with Python: Comprehensive training in data analytics using industry-standard tools
- Data Analytics Foundations: Three-month intensive courses for beginners with no prior IT knowledge
- Data Science with Software Development: Integrated programmes combining analytical skills with practical development capabilities
- Advanced Machine Learning: Training in predictive analytics and artificial intelligence applications
Furthermore, the curriculum emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Consequently, students gain hands-on experience through real-world projects that prepare them for immediate industry integration.
The Current Landscape: Data Analytics in Kenya Today (2024-2025)
Kenya’s data analytics industry now operates within a structured regulatory environment. The Data Protection Act of 2019 establishes clear guidelines for data collection, processing, and storage, thereby building trust between businesses and consumers. Moreover, the National Digital Masterplan 2022-2032 provides a comprehensive strategy for advancing Kenya’s digital transformation across multiple pillars.
Currently, Kenya hosts numerous specialized data analytics firms serving various sectors. According to industry listings, companies like Nakala Analytics, Spark Analytics Ltd, and StatBricks provide tailored solutions addressing immediate business needs. Additionally, these firms transform key performance indicators into actionable intelligence for organizations across industries.
The data science profession has become increasingly lucrative in Kenya. Based on 2024 market data, data scientists in Nairobi earn approximately KSh 130,000 per month in total compensation, with average base salaries around KSh 80,000 monthly. Furthermore, annual earnings can reach KSh 835,611, making data science one of the most attractive career paths for Kenyan professionals.
Martial School of IT directly tackles Kenya’s critical skills shortage through multiple approaches:
Accessible Learning Formats: The school offers both physical and eLearning options, ensuring that working professionals can upskill without disrupting their careers.
Local Context Integration: Unlike many international programmes, Martial Jenga School uses Kenyan datasets and case studies. Consequently, students learn to address challenges specific to the East African market, from mobile money integration to agricultural analytics.
Hands-On Experience: Through the JENGA Innovation Programme, students build actual products rather than theoretical projects. Therefore, graduates enter the job market with proven capabilities and tangible achievements.
Interested in Learning Data Analytics?
Big Data
Big data primarily refers to data sets that are too large or complex to be dealt with by traditional data-processing software. Data with many entries (rows) offer greater statistical power, while data with higher complexity (more attributes or columns) may lead to a higher false discovery rate.[1]
Read Full Article on Wikipedia →Kenya’s data analytics evolution demonstrates the power of combining technological innovation with locally-relevant education. From the early challenges of limited awareness and infrastructure to today’s thriving ecosystem of professionals and companies, the journey reflects remarkable progress.
Martial Jenga Labs stands as a testament to what focused, innovative education can achieve. By emphasizing practical skills, local context, and real-world applications , the school prepares graduates who don’t just understand data analytics, we transform industries.
Moreover, the time zone in Kenya offers a perfect overlap for collaborating with clients in Europe and Asia. This geographical advantage is complemented by the high level of English proficiency among Kenyans, which serves as a major asset in the global marketplace.
As Kenya continues its digital transformation journey, institutions like Martial School of IT will remain crucial in developing the talent pipeline necessary for sustained growth. Moreover, our graduates will drive innovation across sectors, from fintech to agriculture, healthcare to government services.
For anyone seeking to participate in Kenya’s data analytics revolution, the path forward is clear: invest in quality education, embrace practical learning, and prepare to contribute to solving Africa’s and -the world’s- most pressing challenges through the power of data.