By KPC Reporter
A cohort of 120 young people has successfully completed a one-month intensive digital skills training program, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s push to expand digital literacy in rural communities.
The graduation ceremony, held at Bogesaka Primary School Grounds, celebrated the achievements of the participants and highlighted the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, Stephen Isaboke, lauded the initiative as a transformative step in Kenya’s digital journey.
“What we have witnessed here today is part of the digital transformation the government has been talking about. Our goal is to ensure that digital skills are not just an urban elite privilege, but are accessible even in the deepest rural areas,” said PS Isaboke.
He emphasized that under the government’s BETA Plan, one of the key pillars is the rollout of 1,450 digital hubs nationwide. In Kisii County, a hub is already operational at Kisii Polytechnic in Nyaribari Chache, with additional hubs underway near Ogembo Market and in Bobasi Constituency.
The PS also underscored the importance of the Digital Superhighway Programme, which includes a “last-mile” strategy to ensure rural communities are fully integrated into the digital economy.
The training program was delivered through a partnership between Huawei Kenya, the Ministry of ICT, and Computer Schools Kenya.
Huawei Kenya’s Director for Policy and Partnerships, Adam Lane, noted that since 2019, over 6,200 learners across 40 counties have benefited from similar training.
“It’s not just about the 120 students graduating here today. The impact spreads when they share these skills with their families, friends, and communities,” said Lane.
“With internet access, smartphones, tablets, and laptops, they can trade online, create digital content, showcase talent, and even run businesses.”
While acknowledging challenges such as poor road infrastructure, Lane stressed that the long-term benefits of digital literacy far outweigh the obstacles.
For many participants, the program has already begun to yield tangible results.
Veronica Kwamboka, one of the graduates, shared her experience:
“We were trained on securing accounts with passwords or biometrics, dealing with cyberbullying, and protecting ourselves from account theft. This programme has been eye-opening, and I am grateful.”
Lead trainer Adams Makao explained that the curriculum covered a range of practical topics including computer literacy, digital marketing, entrepreneurship, mobile internet, and online safety.
“These skills are practical. The graduates can apply them in schools, businesses, and even at home,” he said.
Another graduate, James Kea, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity:
“This training has empowered me to start my own business. I encourage other young people to make the effort to learn these digital skills because they are the future.”
The program is part of a broader national effort to equip youth with the tools needed to thrive in a rapidly digitizing world, ensuring that no community is left behind.