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Apply for PDTP Cohort IX 2024 Intake to gain ICT experience, mentorship and career growth. Open to recent graduates with First/Upper Second-Class Honors.

Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP) Cohort IX Intake

Posted on by Tutorials Handbook

The Digitalent initiative stands as a pivotal strategic intervention led by the ICT Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy (MICDE). This forward-thinking program is designed to foster and sustain high-level ICT talent by addressing the gap between the evolving requirements of the technology industry and the existing capabilities within the local workforce.

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Digitalent aligns closely with the National ICT Master Plan, which underscores the necessity of developing a substantial critical mass of high-end ICT skills. This is essential for creating a workforce that is not only ready but also highly skilled in meeting the demands of the ever-evolving industry.

Since its inception, Digitalent has made significant strides in shaping the ICT landscape. With over 2,900 ICT graduates having benefited from the program, it has provided numerous opportunities for young professionals to advance their careers. By offering practical experience and advanced training, the program has played a crucial role in bridging the skills gap and preparing graduates for successful careers in the ICT sector and beyond.

Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP) Cohort IX 2024 Intake Programme Objective

The primary goal of the Digitalent Programme is to prepare young ICT graduates for meaningful employment opportunities across various sectors, including but not limited to ICT. The program is structured to offer participants a range of benefits:

  • Workplace Experience: Graduates gain valuable hands-on experience that enhances their practical knowledge and professional skills.
  • Knowledge Expansion: Participants have the chance to deepen their understanding of key ICT areas, contributing to their overall professional growth.
  • Mentorship: The program provides access to experienced mentors who guide participants in their career development and help them navigate the complexities of the ICT industry.
  • Career Refinement: Graduates refine their career goals and aspirations through structured training and real-world exposure.
  • Professional Networking: The opportunity to build and expand professional networks within the ICT sector and related fields.

The programme covers several critical areas, including:

  • Networks & Digital Infrastructure: Training in the design, implementation, and management of network systems and digital infrastructures.
  • Software Development & Artificial Intelligence: Skills development in creating software applications and understanding AI technologies.
  • Information Security: Expertise in protecting information systems from cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
  • Data Analytics: Techniques for analyzing data to derive actionable insights and inform decision-making processes.
  • Multimedia (ICT Graphics) & Digital Marketing: Skills in creating digital content and marketing strategies to engage audiences effectively.

Through this comprehensive exposure, participants are well-equipped to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities within these diverse fields.

Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP) Cohort IX 2024 Intake Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Digitalent Programme, applicants must adhere to the following criteria:

  • Educational Qualifications: Applicants should have graduated with First or Upper Second-Class Honors (or an equivalent classification) from a recognized institution within the last two years (since January 2022). If candidates are awaiting graduation until December 2024, they must provide a recommendation/reference letter from their university, duly stamped and signed, indicating the anticipated honors classification.
  • Recent Graduates: Ideal candidates will have recently completed a degree in BSc. ICT or Engineering (Electrical & Electronics, Telecommunication, Software, Security). They should possess thorough knowledge in their areas of specialization, such as Networks & Digital Infrastructure, Software Development & Artificial Intelligence, Information Security, Data Analytics, and Multimedia (ICT Graphics) & Digital Marketing. Applicants may need to demonstrate their technical competencies in these areas during the selection process.
  • Internship Experience: Candidates should not have previously participated in any government internship programs and must be unemployed at the time of application.
  • Willingness to Relocate: Applicants must be prepared to work full-time in any government organization (MCDAs) across all 47 counties. The standard working hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and candidates should be ready to relocate as required.
  • Encouraged Groups: The programme particularly encourages applications from females, persons with disabilities, and graduates from Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) regions.

Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP) Cohort IX 2024 Intake Application Instructions

  • Read Carefully: Applicants must carefully review all instructions before starting the application process to ensure they meet all requirements and avoid common errors.
  • Online Submission: All applications must be completed and submitted online via the recruitment portal at recruitment.digitalent.go.ke. Please note that paper-based or email applications will not be accepted.
  • Submission Details: Ensure that all sections of the application form are thoroughly completed. Providing false or misleading information can result in severe legal consequences, including fines of up to Kshs. 200,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

Required Documents for PDTP Cohort IX 2024 Intake: Applicants must attach the following documents:

  • National ID card or Passport
  • Passport-sized photograph
  • KCSE certificate
  • Degree certificate
  • Receipt or certificate of good conduct

Deadline: Applications must be submitted within 21 days from the date of the advertisement i.e. 16th September, 2024. Late submissions will not be considered.

Important Notes on PDTP Cohort IX 2024 Intake

  • Foreign Degrees: Graduates with degrees from foreign institutions must provide a verification certificate from the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA). Additionally, certificates in languages other than English must include an English translation from the relevant embassy.
  • Degree Grade Equivalents: For universities that use a GPA system, provide the GPA equivalent to the Kenya public university grading scale (e.g., Second Class Honors Upper Division GPA equivalent).
  • Pending Certificates: If the degree certificate has not yet been issued, attach a signed and stamped recommendation/reference letter from the university’s Dean of Students, indicating the expected honors classification.

Conclusion

The Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP) Cohort IX intake represents a significant opportunity for recent ICT graduates to advance their careers and contribute meaningfully to the ICT sector and beyond. By participating in this program, graduates can gain invaluable workplace experience, receive mentorship, and build professional networks that will serve them throughout their careers. The Digitalent initiative, with its focus on bridging the skills gap and developing a highly skilled workforce, plays a crucial role in aligning local talent with industry demands.

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As such, it offers a platform for young professionals to grow, thrive, and make impactful contributions to the digital economy. For more detailed information and to access the application portal, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page. The 2024-2025 call for applications is now open for the Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP) Cohort IX intake. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a transformative programme that can shape your future career in ICT. Deadline for Presidential Digital Talent Programme (PDTP) Cohort IX 2024 Intake is 16th September, 2024.

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