Kenya’s IT sector is expanding rapidly. A rise in digital transformation, innovative solutions, and startups has made software developers more in demand than ever. Even though not everyone can afford a formal education, you should still pursue this lucrative job despite this fact. The purpose of this blog is to provide advice to those who want to work as self-taught software engineers in Kenya.

Self-Taught: Why?
Cost-Effective: Attending a formal school can be costly. Almost usually, self-learning is less expensive.
Flexibility: You are able to study on your own time and at your own speed.
Custom Curriculum: You can adjust your course of study based on your areas of interest and the most in-demand competencies.

Steps to Becoming a Self-Taught Software Engineer

Step 1: Identify Your Interest and End Goal

.Decide on Your Interest and Final Objective Data science, front-end, back-end, full-stack, etc.
Career aspirations, both short- and long-term

Step 2: Choose the Right Programming Language

JavaScript/TypeScript/Angular/React Js for Web Development

Python for versatility

Java/Kotlin for Android Development, Java is broad you will also be able to develop backend solutions using it

Step 3: Gather Online Resources

Online courses: Resources such as Udemy, Coursera, and FreeCodeCamp provide high-quality courses at a discounted price or for free. You can also use Youtube for guidance

Blogs and Articles: Follow industry blogs like Medium, Stack Overflow, and GitHub repositories.

Step 4: Build a Strong Foundation

• Understand the basics of coding, algorithms, and data structures.
• Familiarize yourself with software engineering principles.

Step 5: Work on Projects

• Practical application is crucial. Start with small projects and gradually take up bigger challenges.
• Open source contributions can be a great way to gain experience.

Step 6: Join Online Communities

• Platforms like GitHub, Reddit’s r/learnprogramming, and Stack Overflow are excellent for networking, getting advice, and sharing your work.

Step 7: Build Your Portfolio

• Document all your projects, skills, and experience in a well-structured portfolio.
• Use platforms like GitHub to showcase your work to potential employers.

Step 8: Prepare for Interviews

• Use tools such as HackerRank and LeetCode to get ready for coding interviews.
• Understand common algorithms and data structures, as well as system design concepts.

Step 9: Freelancing and Job Hunting

• Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Toptal can be great platforms to start as a freelancer.
• Polish your LinkedIn profile and resume before applying for jobs.

Final Thoughts

In Kenya, becoming a self-taught software engineer can be a viable and fulfilling career path with careful preparation and commitment. Recall that the technology industry is always evolving, and staying current requires ongoing education.

Happy coding!