Youths in Likoni sub-county, Mombasa County, have been urged to turn the digital revolution into a source of employment, income, and improved livelihoods by acquiring essential computer skills. The call was made by State Department for Youth Affairs Mombasa County Regional Coordinator Samuel Ayacko during the induction of the second cohort of the Free Computer Training Programme at Shikaadabu, Likoni. Ayacko emphasized that digital skills are increasingly crucial for young people seeking employment and economic opportunities.
The Free Computer Training Programme aims to equip youths with basic and essential computer skills, preparing them for the Ajira Digital online work training programme and other employment opportunities. Ayacko challenged the trainees to take advantage of the training and use their digital knowledge to explore online work and other opportunities created by technological advancement. He also urged them to remain committed to the programmes they start, citing that the government targets training more than 4,000 youths in different courses to promote self-employment and create job opportunities.
The induction of Cohort Two at Shika Adabu brought together more than 70 youths seeking to develop their digital skills and position themselves for emerging opportunities in online work and employment. Abdalla Muishe, an officer with the Ajira Digital Programme in the Coast region, said Kenya has a large population of young people, many of whom use the internet mainly for entertainment but could also harness it to improve their livelihoods. Muishe added that the programme creates awareness and provides training on online work and various job opportunities available through digital platforms to clients from across the world.
Muishe explained that the programme targets preparing youths aged between 18 and 35 years for the international market by equipping them with skills that meet global standards. The programme includes training on digital marketing, content creation, transcription, and other modules, giving participants the skills to handle these jobs. Muishe emphasized that to prepare someone to those standards, it is essential to do a lot of practicals to understand from the basic to the advanced part of the course.
Meanwhile, Likoni Technical and Vocational Training College Registrar Titus Ceasar encouraged participants to register for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), a TVET programme that assesses and recognizes knowledge and skills acquired through work experience, informal training, and self-learning. Ceasar said 500 slots had been set aside for youths in Likoni through an initiative supported by Likoni Member of Parliament Mishi Mboko.
Rehema Mohamed, one of the trainees, said the programme would benefit many youths in Likoni by helping them apply and develop existing skills. She urged the government to introduce more youth-focused projects and provide grants to help young people expand their businesses and create employment opportunities for others. Mohamed expressed that most youths are educated and have talents, and with such projects, they feel empowered by the government.
Another trainee, Joseph Ngatia, said the programme would enhance his computer application skills and encouraged other youths to enrol in similar programmes to improve their skills. He also called on the government to expand training opportunities to include courses such as beauty, masonry, and plumbing. Ngatia emphasized that youths have different interests and that the government should cater to these diverse needs.
Key points
- The Kenyan government targets training more than 4,000 youths in different courses to promote self-employment and create job opportunities.
- The Free Computer Training Programme aims to bridge the digital skills gap among young people by providing practical computer knowledge and preparing them to participate in the digital economy.
- The programme targets preparing youths aged between 18 and 35 years for the international market by equipping them with skills that meet global standards.
