The United States International University Africa (USIU-A) and media monitoring company Globetrack International have partnered to host Kenya's first digital media boot camp with the aim of providing insight to local professionals on digital media best practices.

The boot camp will feature renowned author and social media expert Erik Qualman who has been named by Forbes as among the Top 50 digital power influencers. The event will target CEOs, government representatives, marketing and communication professionals, e-learning specialists among others.

Esther Kagiri, MD, Globetrack International said the boot camp will also present a perfect platform to clearly identify the return on investment where digital media is concerned while exploring opportunities aimed at improving targeted online communication.

"We are keen on developing a virtuous cycle while continuously redeploying resources aimed at inventing new sources of strategic growth opportunities. Digital media is unmistakably part of this frontier and our first ever Boot Camp will present an unrivalled platform to not only share knowledge and intelligence but also define best practices that will enhance interactions with all stakeholders," said Kagiri.

She notes that the African audience has become more audible through channels provided by social media with democratic reforms and advances in telecommunication also recognized for opening up communication.

On her part, Freida Brown, VC, USIU-A noted that technology has reshaped the education sector especially how information is delivered to students with the university investing millions to introduce interactive educational digital platforms.

Ms Brown added that social media on its part has been found to improve communication between students and faculty thus creating a better learning environment.

New media has also resulted to career and business opportunities with employment opportunities emerging for people to manage organization's reputation, sales, and new products development.

"With plans underway for USIU-Africa to launch its Master of Arts in Communication studies, we shall pay special attention to digital communication that will tackle strategy, online corporate branding, effective web design and strategy and social media strategies all crucial for the survival of any brand," said Brown.

The boot camp will take place on July 24 to 25.