By Dominic Kiama
Recently, a group of students took part in the Odoo Education Program, an engaging and insightful session organized by the Placement and Career Service Office (PACS) at Odoo Kenya offices in Westlands. The Odoo Education Program is designed to expose university students to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, equipping them with practical knowledge on how technology supports modern organizations. Odoo, founded in the early 2000s, has grown remarkably, with its Nairobi office serving as the African headquarters. Notably, 98% of Odoo’s workforce consists of young professionals, a powerful testament to the opportunities available to USIU-Africa students.
The program went far beyond presentations: participants actively created websites, built databases, and engaged hands-on with Odoo’s software ecosystem. Learning modules covered sales, inventory, accounting, production, logistics, and other integrated systems essential for setting up and running organizations efficiently. The session showcased that technology, when used intentionally, does not replace human connection; it strengthens the systems that support it. Automation, data organization, and scalability can free practitioners to focus more on people and less on administration, while still upholding professionalism, confidentiality, and care.
“I gained a deeper understanding of how ERP systems can support service-based and human-centered organizations, not just traditional businesses. The exposure to client management, scheduling, documentation, billing, and reporting workflows highlighted how such systems could ethically and efficiently support mental health services,” said Dominic Kiama, a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology student.
True to Odoo culture, learning was balanced with fun. After the serious business of software and systems, students were introduced to WH-PH, a phonics game designed to help players learn and practice WH and PH sounds and words, followed by an energetic Kahoot session. Most striking was the realization that technology, when used intentionally, does not replace human connection – it strengthens the systems that support it.
Students also had the opportunity to interact with Odoo employees, including USIU-Africa alumni, who offered both inspiration and practical career insights. This visit was a testament to the continuing growth in partnership and engagement between USIU-Africa and Odoo Kenya.
