Strathmore to host software firm’s training centre in EA

A software company has partnered with Strathmore University to host its first certified accredited training centre in East Africa.

Sage Pastel, a continental developer of accounting, payroll and business management software, said the training centre would offer a “comprehensive” practitioner course on Pastel Evolution, its enterprise resource planning system. The course is open to Bachelor of Commerce Accounting and Information Technology students.

“We are thrilled about this partnership and the impact the training centre will have in improving the skills of university graduates in the region by ensuring they are work-ready at graduation,” said Nikki Summers, the Sage Pastel’s East Africa regional manager.

The seven-day training programme will enable students to enhance their accounting skills by mastering various practical applications. Its promoters said assessment would be online and has to be completed six months after the start of the training.

Last week, the Pastel Evolution open day was held at the university to launch the training centre where head of Strathmore’s accounting faculty, James McFie, addressed 300 students on the importance of embracing new technology.

“Accounting programmes will never replace the value of studying accounting as a subject, but they certainly complement the theory,” he said.

Dr McFie said Pastel work in East Africa would advance the practice of accounting while assisting businesses to automate their systems.

The firm serves both small, medium and large enterprises.

Sage Pastel says students who successfully complete training receive a Sage Pastel Evolution certification representing globally recognised skill, which gives graduates an advantage in finding work. Dr McFie noted such qualification would be an important differentiating factor in a tough jobs market.