Shadrack Kiprotich, a Kenyan tech enthusiast, has won the coveted Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award for 2022. This award is highly esteemed in the tech community as it recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry through their knowledge sharing, passion for technology, and community involvement.
Kiprotich, who was nominated in the Business Applications category, was selected among just over 3,000 awardees worldwide, making this achievement truly remarkable. The MVP award program is designed to identify experts in the field of technology who are dedicated to solving problems and sharing their knowledge with others. The MVPs are considered to be exceptional leaders and are acknowledged as such by the industry.
Kiprotich, who holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, picked up his programming skills from a friend and honed them in the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors program. He then went on to lead a team in the Microsoft Game of Learners hackathon in 2021, which is a testament to his dedication and commitment to technology. He is now the only Kenyan MVP and hopes to inspire others to join the program and grow the MVP community in Kenya.
The MVP award is highly selective, and the selection process involves nomination by either a former MVP or a full-time Microsoft employee, followed by consideration by a panel of experts. The nominee must display passion, community spirit, leadership, and a positive impact within the technical community.
Ruth Ferland, the Senior Program Manager for Ecosystem Engagements at the Microsoft Africa Development Center, noted the importance of introducing technical skills early on in people’s lives and investing in the talent development pipeline. She said that the possibilities of preparing individuals of all ages to make the greatest impact within their spheres of influence and beyond through technology are limitless with significant investment in the talent development pipeline.
The Microsoft Africa Development Center runs several initiatives from primary school to higher education and professional level to provide technical skills and contribute to Africa’s digital transformation journey. This emphasizes the importance of developing a strong talent development pipeline for the technology industry and recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the field.
The MVP award is a testament to Kiprotich’s unwavering efforts to becoming one of the elite global technology professionals. It is a recognition of his dedication to advocating for technology for all and making contributions to the community. This award serves as an inspiration to others who aspire to make a difference in the tech industry and emphasizes the value of providing technical skills early on in life.
