Government commissions West Mugirango ICT Hub in Nyamira County

The Kenyan government has commissioned the West Mugirango ICT Hub in Nyamira County, marking a significant milestone in its Digital Hubs Programme. The programme has already committed 588 sites across the country, with plans to establish a digital hub in every ward. This initiative has become a game changer for local youths, providing them with digital skills and access to online job opportunities.

Broadcasting and Telecommunications PS Stephen Isaboke, speaking during the official launch, affirmed the State Department for ICT's commitment to putting up 1450 digital hubs countrywide. The programme targets training two million youths, enabling them to assemble equipment and access online job opportunities. Isaboke emphasized that the president's promise to expand opportunities in digital spaces for youths is coming to fruition.

The West Mugirango ICT Hub, located in Nyamira County, aims to train young people in digital commerce, enabling them to do business online and become financially independent. The hub will host 50 youths when at full capacity and has two more planned. Digital trainers, trained by emobilis in partnership with Konza Technopolis, will train local youths on digital skills to work and earn online.

Secretary Digital Infrastructure at the State Department for ICT, Washington Okoth, reported that over seven digital hubs have been set up and operationalized in Kisii and Nyamira counties. Additionally, 14 public Wi-Fi hotspots have been established in various towns and public spaces for public use in Nyamira County. These digital hubs have digital assistants deployed to assist youths and equip them with necessary digital skills.

Okoth confirmed that 28 local learning institutions have already been connected to the national fibre optic network, ensuring internet access for staff and students. The digital hubs and public Wi-Fi hotspots aim to provide opportunities for youths to access millions of online job opportunities and free government services through the e-citizen platform.

The Digital Hubs Programme has been instrumental in empowering local youths, providing them with the skills and tools needed to access online job opportunities and become financially independent. With the West Mugirango ICT Hub now operational, youths in Nyamira County can seize this opportunity to tap into the global digital job market.

As the government continues to roll out digital hubs across the country, it is expected that more youths will benefit from this initiative, gaining the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the digital economy. The programme's impact is expected to be significant, with two million youths targeted for training and 1450 digital hubs planned nationwide.

Key points

• The Kenyan government aims to train two million youths in digital skills through its Digital Hubs Programme.
• The programme has already committed 588 sites across the country, with plans to establish a digital hub in every ward.
• The West Mugirango ICT Hub in Nyamira County is one of the latest additions to the programme, providing digital skills training to local youths.