The government is rolling out 1,450 digital hubs and leveraging skills to create more than 1 million online jobs for the country’s teeming youth population.
The center, supported by the City of Konza and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Authority, aims to promote digital skills in young people through a connected computer hub.
Eliud Owaro, Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and Digital Economy, said the facilities to be set up at the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Center are aimed at redefining the digital ecosystem in the country.
According to CS Owalo, the digital hub called ‘Jitume’ is a government initiative aimed at providing young people with access to digital skills, e-services and online opportunities.
He said global companies are moving work online because it’s cheaper and more efficient, “and that’s why we’re helping young people seize web-based opportunities.” Stated.
The Minister urged young people to be aware of the digital revolution and the information superhighway and become employers through entrepreneurship and innovation.
Mr Owalo was speaking during the opening ceremony of the new Digital Skills Lab at the Kenya Coast National University of Technology in Mombasa.
At the opening ceremony of the center, Mr. Owalo was joined by Mr. Eng John Tanui, Principal Secretary, Ministry of State ICT and Digital Economy, Mr. Konzasiti John Okwili, Chief Executive Officer of the AG, and Mr. Sylvanus Maritim, Chairman of the ICT Authority Committee. I accompanied him.
The CS revealed that the government is working on several technology projects to transform the country’s digital environment.
He revealed that the government is deploying more than 25,000 Wi-Fi hotspots across the country as part of the Digital Acceleration Program to extend the internet to remote areas.
“We are confident that the Innovation Hub will contribute to the efficiency of e-government and e-commerce, and create jobs for young people.” He added that the country is seeking to enhance its status as Africa’s technology hub.
He said the goal of the digital skills drive is to create a platform where young people can gain in-demand employable skills to improve their lives.
Mr Owalo said the 1,450 digital hubs, which will be spread evenly across 47 counties, are part of the digital acceleration plan being promoted by the national government.
He said the advent of artificial intelligence and increased interconnectivity means young people also need to acquire the technical skills to adapt and perform effectively in today’s digital world.
PS Tanui said the ICT Department is leveraging the country’s fiber optic infrastructure to support internet connectivity.
Mr Eng Tanui said the spread of the national fiber optic network and the rise of the internet will enable many Kenyans to formalize their businesses and embrace e-commerce.
He said high-speed internet is creating more income-generating opportunities for thousands of Kenyans, especially the youth.
PS said the Jitume digital skills training program will enable young people to secure freelance jobs online and help tackle the country’s serious youth unemployment problem.
