How do you become a programmer in Kenya? As a first-timer, I am sure you are thinking it’s rather complex. It probably sounds like climbing a mountain with no climbing gear. There is no need to worry; in this article, you will be guided on becoming a successful programmer in Kenya. Remember that becoming a programmer is simply as the name suggests. This is because a programmer creates software programs. Read on to get informed on all the nitty-gritty required to become a programmer.
Programming languages enable software to perform certain
functions. For example, when you buy a device, it usually is empty, and there
is no way you can use it. Phones have specific applications that are installed
in them for them to perform their intended functions. These applications are
programmed using a language that the phone understands for it to make that call.
Here is where the role of a programmer comes into play. Once a telephone
manufacturing company builds a phone, they have software programmers who create
codes that the phone will use to understand how to make that call.
What Do Programmers Do?
In-depth programming entails everything amusing. It is the
science behind how various software programs can perform functions. Have you
ever been on an adventure trail where you don’t know what to expect, but you
know you are on the correct route? This is a programmer. First and foremost,
you don’t need any experience whatsoever to become a programmer. A programmer
is someone whose work is to come up with an algorithm. This could be intended
for application in computer software or as varied as an aeronautical spaceship.
A programmer could also be referred to as a software developer or coder. He or
she can also specialize in creating programs for computers only or creating
codes for various kinds of software applications.
In this day and age, where we depend on technology almost
100%, the use of computers and mobile devices have become a routine; therefore,
everyone needs to learn to program. Remember, you don’t need to have any
experience to become a software developer. So if you are scared about how much
you lack experience, worry not. Programming is not for GENIUSES. Using
computers is inevitable and so learning how to become a coder is an essential
advantage. All you need is to be determined and have the desire to learn. I
believe that is why you are here.
Computer programmers are tasked with writing, testing,
debugging, and maintaining computer programs, which computers must follow to
perform their functions. Software developers create, design, and put to the
test logical structures for solving problems by computer. Many technical
transformations in programming have redefined the role of a software developer
and transformed much of the programming work done today. Job titles and
descriptions in programming may vary, according to the organization.
The Process of Becoming a Programmer
Programmers literary control our every day-to-day living.
They can create codes and systems that we rely on for business, education,
entertainment, and healthcare, literally everything that affects our lives. A
software developer plays a significant role in shaping the experiences we have
during our online expeditions. For example, the use of mobile devices is at the
peak of its use currently.
Their role involves coming up with programs daily. Programs
define tasks through lines of text called code that uses functions instead of
actions. These functions give you much more control than actions, allowing you
to define precisely how tasks should be performed in different circumstances.
One can become a software developer in Kenya by taking a bachelor’s course in
Information Technology with a specialization in programming on your third year
in any campus of your choice that offers it.
To stand out in this sector, you ought to identify a niche
that you can master. Being a jack of all trades is not a bad thing, but if
there is a job opening where they need a particular type of skill in
programming, you may be left out for being too general. Focus on learning a
specific programming language like Java or Ruby on Rails.
Universities Offering Programming Education in Kenya
If you have been in a different field, let’s say a teacher,
and you’ve had this burning inspiration to learn how to become a programmer in
Kenya, you can take online courses or attend your local colleges and
universities. Numerous courses are offered on campus and at the comfort of your
home through digital devices. In Kenya, Universities that offer a Bachelor’s
Degree in Information Technology include:
- Muranga
University College
- Pioneer
International University
- Multimedia
University
- JKUAT
- Kabianga
University College
- Masinde
Muliro University of Science and Technology
- University
of Eldoret
- Technical
University of Kenya
- Kirinyaga
University College
- Karatina
University College
- Kenya
Methodist University
- Machakos
University
- The
South Eastern University of Kenya
Skills of a Programmer – As with any sector, a
programmer needs a particular set of skills to handle their job appropriately.
A programmer can create and run codes to better the working of computer systems
and software since they are equipped with hard and soft skills. Skills
every programmer in Kenya must have include:
- Proficiency
with programming languages
- Mathematical
skills
- Testing
and debugging skills
- Learning
new concepts often
- Ability
to apply learnt concepts to other problems in their workspace
- Communication
skills
- Team-work
skills
- Problem-solving
capability
- Writing
skills
- A
passion for solving problems
- Great
passion for humanity
Types of Programming Languages – There are
different programming languages you can learn and become an expert in. Here are
some of the most popular:
- C++
- Python
- Java
- JavaScript
- C#
- PHP
- Visual
Basic
- Ruby
on Rails
Qualifications For Becoming a Programmer – You
must have a degree in Computer Science, Informational Technology,
Engineering or Programming and understanding any or all the programming
languages.
Why Should You Become a Programmer?
Shortage of staff – Coding is a term that makes
a majority of the people run. There is this negative mindset that programming
is complex creating a shortage of software developers. Another problem that
makes this career luxurious is that people give up too quickly. This makes the
few people who understand this skill be short in supply and high in demand. In
reality, when you grasp a coding language, it becomes easy for you to code; you
need to be determined, persistent and passionate.
Good money – The fact that coders are
understaffed translates into high pay for the programmers who push codes and
deliver working codes to perform according to their clients’ and businesses’
needs.
An opportunity to change the world – We used
technology for ultimately everything. So in a literal sense, you creating codes
for various software’s is a way of helping humanity. You can meet the needs of
humanity at a point where they need it most.
Remote and flexible job options – As a
programmer, you have the opportunity to create codes and work remotely. This
comes in handy when you decide to venture into being a freelance developer. As
a freelancer coder, you will not be restricted to one particular company, and
this means you can get as many clients as possible as long as you can deliver
and meet their demands.
High job security – A programmer’s job security
is assured simply because they create the codes and run them. They are in
charge of running codes that they create. Companies that do not have a
developer in their tech company are at risk of system failures, breakdowns, and
even hacking because they do not have someone who can ensure that their online
software works correctly. This could translate to huge losses and even shut
down, especially if your organization runs on very highly confidential sectors.
Opportunity to blend creativity with high-demand technical
skills – Life is an art, and we all have a role to play in the kind of
drawing we make for our lives. A programmer is an artist who has this vast
amount of knowledge on how the back end of technology works, and they are fully
aware of what needs to be done. They can create tangible solutions to problems
that would have made life for the normal human being chaotic.
Where Do You Get Work as a Programmer in Kenya?
There is a massive demand for skilled staff in the
technology industry. Everybody is looking for help with catching up with this
fast-paced technology. Programming-related careers include a web developer,
system analyst, computer programmer, database developer. You can get work
through:
- Computer
software companies
- Financial
sector
- Government
- Healthcare
services
- Marketing
and advertising
- Entertainment,
for example, video making companies
- Data
security companies
- Professional
Networking and Job sites
Start Your Career as a Software Programmer
A programmer’s life starts early and ends late with mostly
six hours of sleep and throughout nearly a week’s work done in a day. In this
field, an individual who is faster in adopting changes is highly advantaged since
technology is the world’s fastest-changing field; thereby, a swift programmer
in Kenya needs to know about world trends and keep up the pace. To advance your
career, spend most of your time practicing and keeping a record of your work.
This way, when you get requests for interviews, you’ll have a portfolio of
proof to show off your skills to employers. Does programming sound to difficult
for you?