1: Could you tell us a bit about Ericsson’s history in Kenya, and how Ericsson has contributed to the country's digital economy and connectivity goals?

Ericsson's history in Kenya dates to 1898 when we embarked on a project to add communications for the Nairobi - Kampala train line. Since then, we have built strong partnerships with both the public and private sectors in Kenya. Our focus has been on modernizing mobile networks and preparing them for the anticipated rapid expansion of mobile connectivity in the country, as well as laying the groundwork for Kenya's future adoption of 5G technology.

To achieve this, we have been committed to deploying our state-of-the-art solutions, such as Ericsson's Radio System portfolio and Packet Core solutions, to enhance user experiences and network performance for residents across the nation. By doing so, we aim to drive improved use cases for consumers and enterprises alike throughout Kenya. 

On top of this, we are working with Ericsson R&D and our partners to develop unique solutions to help ensure all Kenyans get access to broadband. Examples are using mobile to deliver a fiber-like experience in deep rural areas as well as developing very low-cost and low-power sites where the business case for our customers can otherwise be very difficult.  Our activities in Kenya align with the 'Digital Economy Blueprint’ of Kenya Vision 2030, which focuses on providing robust connectivity in rural areas and facilitating the growth of e-commerce platforms in the country. Through our dedication to innovation and collaboration with regional partners, we strive to contribute significantly to Kenya's digital economy and connectivity goals. 

2.Ericsson's Graduate Program in Kenya aims to nurture local talent and support nation-building activities. How has this program contributed to the development of technical skills and innovation among the graduates?

Ericsson's Graduate Program in Kenya has been designed to maximize the potential of young talents by providing them with hands-on training in Ericsson's technology, solutions, and delivery processes. One of the primary ways in which this program has contributed to the development of technical skills among graduates is through its carefully curated and robust training modules. 

Being a global leader in telecommunications, we leverage our expertise and resources to impart cutting-edge technical knowledge to these young talents. Through a combination of classroom sessions, hands-on workshops, and real-world project assignments, the graduates are exposed to a diverse range of technical disciplines, including telecommunications networks, cloud technologies, Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, artificial intelligence, and much more. This comprehensive exposure equips them with a solid foundation in modern technologies and prepares them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. By Ericsson Kenya, The Standard