By KPC Reporter
President William Samoei Ruto on Sunday launched the Siaya Community Digital Hub in Bondo Town, describing the facility as a major step in empowering youth through digital skills, innovation and access to global online opportunities.
The launch, attended by national and county leaders including Oburu Oginga, signals growing government investment in grassroots digital infrastructure aimed at bridging Kenya’s digital divide and opening up new economic pathways for young people.
The hub will provide digital training, innovation spaces and reliable internet connectivity to enable youth to acquire technological skills, venture into online entrepreneurship and participate in emerging digital industries.
Speaking during the launch, President Ruto said the government views young people as central to Kenya’s economic transformation.
“For far too long, our youth have been perceived as part of our country’s problems,” said Ruto. “Yet these young people — skilled, talented, innovative and energetic — are the solution to the challenges facing us; they are the assets that can turn Kenya into a first world economy.”
The President said the government had deliberately put in place programmes to empower young people and create meaningful employment opportunities, particularly through the digital economy.
“It is on this basis that we have deliberately put in place measures to empower our youth and create gainful employment for them,” he said.
Ruto also addressed traders and residents in Bondo Town, reiterating his administration’s commitment to equitable development across the country.
“We undertook to develop every part of Kenya as part of our plan to making us a more equal country,” he said.
Studio Mashinani opens creative opportunities
A key highlight of the visit was a tour of Studio Mashinani, a creative production space located within the hub.
The facility is expected to nurture talent in digital media production, storytelling and other creative economy ventures that are increasingly shaping modern employment and enterprise.
Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke said the hub would open new doors for young people by equipping them with relevant digital skills and connecting them to global platforms.
“This transformative facility opens up exciting opportunities in ICT for the youth, equipping them with digital skills, access to e-commerce, creative economy platforms and pathways to employment in the global digital space,” the PS said.
Isaboke added that the initiative marks a significant step in narrowing the digital gap between urban centres and rural communities.
“It marks a key step in bridging the digital divide, empowering young people in Siaya and beyond to compete, innovate and thrive in the modern economy,” he said.
Digital economy gaining momentum
ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo said the launch forms part of the government’s broader strategy to expand digital opportunities and integrate more young people into the online job market.
Kabogo noted that Kenya’s digital workforce is growing rapidly, with hundreds of thousands of youth already engaged in online work.
“President Ruto noted that about 330,000 Kenyan youth are currently engaged in online jobs, a number projected to increase to more than one million by next year,” said Kabogo.
He added that the government, working with Members of Parliament, is establishing ICT hubs across the country to help young people gain digital skills and access global markets.
“The President said that the government, working with the Members of Parliament, is establishing ICT hubs across the country to equip youth with digital skills and access to global markets,” Kabogo said.
Ruto also observed that more than 540,000 Kenyan youth are currently working abroad and urged them to avoid exploitation while pursuing opportunities.
Part of wider digital transformation agenda
The launch marked the culmination of the week-long Digital Skilling and Job Summit 2026 held in Siaya under the theme “Empowering Siaya’s Future: Digital Connectivity, Skills, Jobs and Creative Economy for Sustainable Growth.”
According to Kabogo, the Siaya Community Digital Hub will serve as a catalyst for transformation by providing digital infrastructure, reliable internet connectivity, structured training and mentorship programmes.
The facility is expected to create pathways for young people to access global employment opportunities and actively participate in the digital and creative economy.
The project also forms part of the government’s wider digital transformation programme, which includes rolling out over 100,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure, establishing 1,450 ward-level digital hubs, expanding public Wi-Fi access and implementing the Kenya Digital Economy Acceleration Project.
The Ministry of ICT is also developing policy and regulatory frameworks for artificial intelligence, data governance and cybersecurity to support a secure and inclusive digital ecosystem.
“As the Government accelerates the Digital Superhighway agenda, it remains committed to ensuring no region is left behind by expanding connectivity, promoting innovation, and creating new opportunities for all Kenyans in the rapidly evolving digital economy,” Kabogo said.
Leaders present during the launch included ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary John Tanui, National Assembly ICT Committee Chair John Kiarie, Senate ICT Committee Chair Allan Chesang, Gladys Wanga, the Governor of Homa Bay County, and Paul Otuoma, the Governor of Busia County, among other national and regional leaders.