BCS, Open University of Kenya and Jaseci Labs expand AI training with masterclass and hackathon

BCS Technology, the Open University of Kenya and Jaseci Labs have launched the second Generative AI Masterclass in Nairobi, with a hackathon set for 16-17 October 2026. The program is designed to move Kenyan learners from AI theory to working products and build a pipeline of local AI talent.

Why it matters: - The program is designed to train Kenyan learners on practical AI skills that map directly to enterprise work. - The second cohort is part of a five-year partnership that aims to train thousands of learners across multiple cohorts. - The initiative gives participants exposure to tools and methods used in commercial AI delivery, which could strengthen Kenya’s role in the regional AI talent pipeline.

What happened: - BCS Technology is delivering the second edition of its Generative AI program with the Open University of Kenya and Jaseci Labs. - The 2026 program began on 15 September 2026 and ends with a hackathon on 16-17 October 2026 in Nairobi. - Teams will present working AI solutions and compete at the hackathon. - The masterclass is led by Dr. Jason Mars of the University of Michigan. - The first cohort in 2025 had more than 200 applicants, and the top two performers received job placement opportunities.

The details: - The 2026 Masterclass focuses on agentic AI, which plans and carries out tasks in steps rather than only answering questions. - Over four weekly live sessions, participants studied how AI models are trained and adapted, prompting, retrieval and how to use the tool to turn models into working systems. - Students worked in teams of one to three on a personal planning app with an AI agent at its core. - The project was built as a web app, a mobile app and a command-line tool running on a single shared backend. - Teams pitched a working prototype in Week Three and will present finished products at a virtual demo day. - Projects will be judged on technical quality, product design and how well each team markets and launches the product. - Dr. Logeeshan Velamanickam, AI Lead at BCS Technology, said the program is designed to end with a launch, not just a certificate. - Dr. Mars is a professor of computer science and engineering at the University of Michigan. - Dr. Mars has been inducted into two computer science Halls of Fame, holds more than 30 patents and has built AI companies that reached over 20 million users. - Dr. Mars created Jac, a programming language for building AI applications, and founded Jaseci Labs, the company behind it. - Participants use Jac throughout the program, and BCS Technology uses it in client work. - Prof. Carolyne Omulando, deputy vice-chancellor for academic affairs at OUK, said the masterclass and hackathon will help participants develop practical skills, explore emerging technologies and apply AI to real-world challenges.

Between the lines: - The program is structured more like a product build than a traditional short course. - BCS Technology is aligning training with enterprise delivery standards, which suggests the company wants graduates who can contribute immediately to real projects. - The emphasis on a launch, demo day and assessment criteria signals a focus on execution, not just technical knowledge. - BCS Technology joined Anthropic's Claude Partner Network in July 2026, formalizing AI delivery work already underway across its practice. - The firm is rolling out Claude across airline, hospitality, banking and retail clients globally. - BCS Technology says it has Claude Certified Architects, Developers and Associates on staff and is working to certify more than 600 experts through internal bootcamps. - BCS Technology operates delivery centres in Kenya, the Philippines, India and Sri Lanka, serving enterprise clients across APAC, the Americas and the Middle East.

What's next: - Teams will showcase their finished AI solutions at the 16-17 October hackathon. - The program will continue under the five-year BCS Technology-OUK partnership, which is intended to train more learners across future cohorts. - The virtual demo day will give teams another chance to present their completed products and launch plans.

The bottom line: - BCS Technology, OUK and Jaseci Labs are turning AI education into a product-building pipeline, with Kenyan learners expected to leave with practical experience and portfolio-ready work.