For the past few years of the current Kenya Kwanza regime, we’ve seen the CS for Information Technology open numerous ICT hubs meant to close the gap in digital transformation between the rural Kenya and urban centers. The government has since promised to unveil the ICT hubs in every county ward across the country, with the intention of enabling Kenyan youth’s access online opportunities with ease.
The Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo, has continued this initiative and has just officially launched the Jitume Digital Hub at the Kajiado East Technical and Vocational College. As per the government’s goals, new center aims to provide youth with access to digital services, skills, and opportunities, enabling them to leverage technology for job creation.
During the launch event attended by various officials at the Kajiado institution, the CS reaffirmed government’s commitment to availing employment opportunities to Kenyan youths, he acknowledged that the digital hub will facilitate remote work for international clients as well as providing a platform to Kenya youths which they can utilize to earn a living through digital means.
Currently, the government is in the process of establishing 1,450 ICT hubs nationwide with the goal being to have a hub in every ward that will enable citizens get access to digital services and free public Wi-Fi hotspots. The initiative aims to make internet access and digital skills training readily available to young people across the country. Additionally, 100,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables have been laid to improve internet accessibility.
Owalo noted that, to date, the government has trained 390,968 youth and created 139,071 digital jobs through these initiatives.
Attendees at the launch included Kajiado East MP Kakuta Maimai, Dr. Joselyn Nkonge, Principal of Kajiado East Technical and Vocational College, Julius Ole Ntaiya, representing the Chairman of the Board of Governors, and MCA Joyce Yaipaso, along with other government officials.