Zero to Cloud: 12 Weeks of AWS re/Start + Free AWS CCP Exam


I graduated on the AWS re/start program under Ajira Digital as part of Cohort 12, where we had an intensive 12-week program that gave the basics to those interested in joining cloud and nailing the practitioner examinations. Here is all you need to know about the program.



AWS re/Start

AWS re/Start is a free, full-time training program created by Amazon Web Services to help individuals from diverse backgrounds launch careers in the cloud.
The program runs across the African continent through regional partners (with Ajira serving as the delivery partner in Kenya). In just three months, the learners would have gone through an intensive mix of:
1.Cloud Fundamentals — AWS services, security, databases, networking.
2.Technical Skills — Linux, Python scripting, version control.
3.Professional Skills — communication, teamwork, resume coaching, and interview preparation.

  1. Certification Prep — structured guidance for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam.

The program is designed for anyone curious about cloud technology, whether you’re a recent graduate, career switcher, or someone looking to upskill.



How the Program Works

The 12 weeks are highly structured and immersive. A typical week includes:

  • Morning sessions for theory and new concepts.
  • Hands-on labs where you practice AWS services in real time.
  • Afternoon sessions for deep dives and collaborative problem-solving.
  • Career labs dedicated to employability training — CV building, interview prep, and workplace skills.

The schedule is full-time, Monday to Friday, and demands complete commitment. After the 12 weeks, the aws practitioner examination is waived 100 % which is an extra bonus.

To get into the program, here is a pathway I followed:

  1. Apply via the AWS re/Start portal or through a local partner (Ajira in Kenya, other organizations across Africa).
  2. Demonstrate motivation and availability — you’ll need to commit to all 12 weeks, full-time.
  3. Complete the selection process, which includes interviews and assessments by the training partner.
  4. Join a cohort — Here, you are immersed in a community of learners guided by experienced trainers.



Why AWS re/Start Matters

Cloud adoption across Africa is accelerating, but the demand for skilled professionals far outpaces supply. AWS re/Start directly addresses this gap by giving learners not just knowledge, but also career-readiness and connections to employers.

As a Cohort 12 graduate, I can confidently say AWS re/Start is more than a training program, it is a career launchpad. If you’re passionate about tech and looking for a way into cloud computing, this program is worth considering. Applications run periodically, so check the Ajira AWS re/Start program linkedin page and see if the next cohort could be your gateway to the cloud.



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