JD STUDIOS AFRICA, developing minds

Digital skills training for youth in Nairobi

JD STUDIOS AFRICA is a nonprofit tech and creative hub. Learn Python, UI/UX design, digital marketing or WordPress with working mentors, build a real portfolio and step into the digital economy.

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Two young learners smiling while working on a laptop together at JD STUDIOS AFRICA in Nairobi

Mentor-led cohorts in person, online or hybrid

Software built in Nairobi, by the next generation

Our developers and apprentices design and ship websites, web and mobile apps, live-streaming platforms and Python automation for startups, NGOs and businesses.

Start a project How apprentices join

Music and media production for young creators

Record music through our partner studios in Nairobi, produce video and build your brand, with producers and mentors who help you go from first idea to release.

Explore music & media Talk to us
The JD STUDIOS AFRICA emblem: a winged crimson shield with a gold trophy and a treble clef

A nonprofit hub that turns curiosity into careers

We bring software development, digital media and talent incubation under one roof, so young Kenyans can learn a skill, practise it on real work and connect to opportunity.

JD STUDIOS AFRICA is a nonprofit tech and creative innovation hub in Nairobi. Our learners study in small, mentor-led cohorts and finish every course with portfolio projects. Our studio teams build websites, apps and media for clients and community projects, and our apprentices work alongside them. Income from that work, together with partner support, keeps training accessible.

From live-streaming engineering with RTMP and WebRTC and Python automation to music production with partner studios that nurtures new artists, this is where technical rigour meets creative expression.

Read our story
Where
Nairobi, Kenya, and online
Model
Nonprofit, mentor-led
Formats
In person, online or hybrid
Who
Youth; beginners welcome
Cost
Free on funded tracks, a contribution on others
Learning style
Project-based, portfolio focused

Courses built for the digital job market

Four core tracks, each with a mentor, a peer cohort and real projects. Ten more specialist tracks are available on application.

Python Programming

Write code that automates tasks, cleans data and powers real projects.

Complete beginner, mentor-led

UI/UX Design

Research users, wireframe and prototype real products in Figma.

Beginner friendly, mentor-led

Digital Marketing

SEO, social media, content, paid ads and analytics on live campaigns.

Beginner friendly, mentor-led

WordPress & Web Design

Plan, build and launch real websites and online stores.

Beginner friendly, mentor-led

Compare all courses and tracks

Six pillars, one mission

Every programme and service at JD STUDIOS AFRICA sits under one of these pillars, each designed to move young people from curiosity to career.

Illustration: laptop with code, a website and a mobile app

Software & Web Development

Websites, apps, live-streaming platforms and Python automation for startups, NGOs and businesses.

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Illustration: studio microphone, headphones, mixing faders and a sound wave

Digital Media & Music Production

Music recording with partner studios, video, audio, branding and storytelling.

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Illustration: a mentor presenting a growth chart to a class of learners with laptops

Digital Skills Training

Python, data, UI/UX, digital marketing, WordPress and web design training.

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Illustration: a young person climbing steps towards a trophy with a mentor's guidance

Youth & Talent Empowerment

Mentorship, apprenticeships, incubation and career pathways for young talent.

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Illustration: a heart and a leaf at the centre of a circle of community members

Tech for Social Impact

Green4Africa, PieceOfPeace and self-funded community innovation programmes.

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Illustration: a globe with connections from Nairobi to partners around the world

International Partnerships

Exchanges, cross-border projects and global networks for Kenyan youth.

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How learning works

A clear path from your application to a portfolio you can show employers and clients.

  1. Apply online

    Choose one or more tracks, your experience level and whether you want to learn in person, online or hybrid.

  2. Talk to us

    We confirm your track, cohort dates and any cost, and answer your questions before you commit.

  3. Learn in a cohort

    Weekly sessions with a working mentor, practical exercises and a peer group that keeps you going.

  4. Build and showcase

    Finish real projects, present them and get introduced to apprenticeships and freelance work where available.

6Focus areas
50+Mentors and trainers
17+Community partners
2Self-funded community projects

Find your way in

For learners

Start with a beginner-friendly course, build a portfolio and grow into apprenticeships and paid work.

See courses

For partners and funders

Sponsor learners, co-design a programme, host apprentices or commission work that trains youth.

Partner with us

For mentors and volunteers

Share a few hours a month with young developers, designers, marketers and creators, in person or online.

Get involved

Community-driven innovation

Self-funded, community-led programmes that combine technology, sustainability and social change.

Ongoing

Green4Africa

A community innovation initiative pairing environmental sustainability with youth-led tech and creative projects.

About Green4Africa
Ongoing

PieceOfPeace

A creative-tech programme using digital media and community engagement to drive social cohesion and positive impact.

About PieceOfPeace

From the blog

Guides on tech careers and digital skills, plus news from our cohorts and community projects.

All posts
Skills

Python, UI/UX, digital marketing or WordPress: which digital skill should you learn first?

Python, UI/UX design, digital marketing or WordPress? What each involves, who it suits, how soon you can earn and how to choose your first digital skill.

4 min read
Marketing

Local SEO for small businesses in Kenya: a beginner's checklist

A practical local SEO checklist for small businesses in Kenya: Google Business Profile, reviews, website basics, keywords and tracking, in plain English.

4 min read
Careers

How to start a career in tech in Kenya: a practical guide

How to start a tech career in Kenya with no experience: choose a path, learn for free or cheaply, build a portfolio and find your first paid work.

5 min read

Questions, answered

Can't find what you need? Read the full FAQ or contact us.

Who can join JD STUDIOS AFRICA programmes?

Our programmes are open to young people in Nairobi and beyond who want hands-on experience in tech, digital media or creative production, from complete beginners to those ready for advanced, project-led pathways.

Is the training free?

As a nonprofit, we keep programmes as accessible as possible. Some tracks are fully funded and free for participants; others ask for a contribution. We confirm the cost for your track before you commit. See courses for details.

Do I need prior experience?

No. Most of our tracks are designed for complete beginners. Learners with existing skills can move into advanced, project-led pathways and apprenticeships.

Can I study online?

Yes. Choose in person in Nairobi, online or hybrid when you apply.

How can organisations partner with JD STUDIOS AFRICA?

We work with startups, NGOs, universities, companies and international networks on sponsorships, co-designed programmes, mentorship and apprenticeship placements. See Partner with us.

Can I volunteer or mentor?

Yes. We welcome mentors, trainers and creative professionals, in Nairobi or online. Register on the Get involved page.

You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.

Apply for the next cohort or book a free 20-minute call. We'll help you choose the right track.

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