Govt embarks on digital computer labs establishment

 

ICT and Digital Economy CS Eluid Owalo address trainees during the launch of Jitume Digital Lab at Rongo University today-Photo Courtesy

By Dickson Odhiambo

June 23, 2023

Govt embarks on digital computer labs establishment

THE Government has begun establishing digital computer laboratories within various wards and Polytechnics across the country for free training of youth on digital skills and jobs.

Cabinet Secretary in charge of ICT and Digital Economy Eliud Owalo says the Government is set to establish 1,450 computer laboratories in various wards and polytechnics across the country.

Addressing students of Mawego Technical Training Institute today during the Launch of Jitume Computer Laboratory for institution and at Rongo University, ICT Cabinet Secretary said already three such laboratories have been launched in Nyanza.

The three are at Mawego Technical Training, Rongo University and Siala Technical Training Institute.

He says the Government plans to roll out the establishment of the Digital labs at the ward level where all the wards are targeted to have two such labs.

Owalo says these Digital Computer labs will greatly help in the training of youth across the country on digital skills and digital jobs.

The Cabinet Secretary says the future of this Nation lies on Digital skills and digital jobs hence a number of youths needs to be trained on that line.

He says this is part of the Kenya Kwanza’s Digital transformation Agenda which they pledged during the campaigns towards the run-up to last year’s general election.

He adds that the Government has been seriously on enhancing internet connectivity across the country including within the various markets which now has free wifi hotspots from the Government.

“What we are doing now is part of the Kenya Kwanza Government commitment in delivering the promises that we made during the campaign period,” Owalo says.

He adds that the Government is rolling out 100,000 Kilometer of fiber optic cable all over the country.

Owallo adds that after the youths have been trained on digital skills, plans are underway to link them with Global Technological Companies to offer digital jobs to the youth who have already been trained on digital skills.

“The digital jobs will reward you better than the formal jobs since they are well paying jobs,” Owalo adds.

The Jitume Digital Laboratories are the initiative of the Kenya Kwanza Government through the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy to equip and empower the youth with market ready digital skills and subsequent placement on the job market.

 Through the Jitume Program, the Ministry has equipped this lab with 100 computers, digital connectivity and free digital skills training opportunity.