As the curtains rise on another graduation season, Sharon Bukaya emerges as a shining example of what it means to blend passion, purpose, and perseverance. Armed with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from Kenyatta University and CPA certification, Sharon charted a path that initially seemed set in the world of numbers.

Yet, her insatiable curiosity for how technology could revolutionize financial decision-making led her to take a bold step, pursuing a Master of Science in Computing and Information Systems (MSc CIS) at Strathmore University.

“My journey began with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from Kenyatta University, followed by CPA certification. However, as I progressed in my career, I realized that the intersection of finance and technology held immense potential,” Sharon says. Her shift from accounting to data analytics was not a leap of faith, but a calculated pivot driven by a desire to make meaningful change through technology.

Strathmore University proved to be the perfect launchpad. “Strathmore University stood out for its reputation for excellence in business and technology education, aligned perfectly with my career goals. The MSc CIS programme’s focus on practical applications rather than just theoretical knowledge appealed to me,” she shares.

Among her standout experiences was the Systems Analysis and Design course, which opened her eyes to the importance of holistic thinking in tech development. “This course opened my eyes to the importance of understanding entire system architectures. It is directly applicable to my work in developing comprehensive business intelligence solutions.”

Her journey was not without its challenges. Balancing demanding coursework with professional responsibilities tested her time management and focus. But those trials also honed soft skills in strategic communication, project management, and cross-functional collaboration that will serve her well in the future

Sharon’s academic journey reached a pinnacle with her dissertation project, “A Chatbot for Personalized Financial Advisory and Investment Planning in Kenya.” Built using Python’s NLTK and machine learning, the AI-powered chatbot provides tailored investment insights using real-time market data.

Outside the classroom, Sharon amplified her learning through the Industry Immersion Program in Business and Data Analytics at @iLabAfrica in 2024. The experience solidified her grasp of cutting-edge analytics practices and exposed her to the fast-evolving landscape of data science in Africa.

Now, as she graduates on June 27, 2025, Sharon looks ahead with clarity. “I’m ready to take on advanced data analytics roles that demand both financial insight and technical expertise. The MSc CIS has given me the foundation to not just understand systems, but to design them, analyze them, and use them to drive real business impact.”

In a world increasingly driven by data, Sharon, with her acquired knowledge and skills, is helping shape it.

“The program has provided me with both the technical depth and strategic thinking required for these roles. My immediate goal is to leverage my combined expertise in finance and information systems to pursue advanced roles in data analysis,” concludes Sharon

Article written by David Kimathi