The Kenyan government has reaffirmed its robust commitment to bridging the digital divide and equipping young people with essential digital skills to thrive in the modern economy. This pledge was delivered by the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo, during the official launch of the Ndumberi Jitume Centre and the graduation ceremony for the Module Class of 2025.
Kabogo stated that the government remains fully dedicated to expanding digital connectivity, providing young citizens with market-ready digital skills, and accelerating the rollout of ICT infrastructure across the nation.
“We reaffirm our commitment in ensuring that young people get the requisite opportunity of learning and earning in the digital world,” said the CS. “We remain committed to expanding digital connectivity, equipping young people with market-ready digital skills, and accelerating the rollout of ICT infrastructure to unlock opportunities for every Kenyan.”
The event celebrated a vibrant cohort of 200 graduates from Cohorts One and Two, who underwent comprehensive training between May and November this year. The graduates acquired critical skills for success in the digital economy, including:
- Virtual Assistance
- Digital Marketing
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Financial Literacy
- Data Analysis
- Data Entry
- Entrepreneurship
- Content Creation
The overwhelming demand for the programme underscores its necessity, with 54 students having graduated just last month, and 100 more youths already on the waiting list for the next enrolment. This demand, Kabogo noted, is a clear indicator of the youth’s eagerness to embrace digital skills for empowerment, innovation, and increased job opportunities.
Several students offered powerful testimonials, confirming they have already secured earnings through online jobs, demonstrating the immediate, life-changing impact of the Jitume Programme.
In line with the BETA Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy Pillar, the CS highlighted key governmental programmes aimed at national digital transformation:
1,450 Digital Hubs: The government is fast-tracking the establishment of 1,450 Digital Hubs nationwide, bringing training and access closer to the population.
100,000 km Fibre-Optic Infrastructure: A massive national fibre-optic network is being constructed to significantly expand broadband access.
25,000 Public Wi-Fi Hotspots: These hotspots are being established in both urban and rural areas to drive digital transformation and unlock economic opportunities for all citizens.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Machua Waithaka, MP for Kiambu Constituency, lauded the government’s efforts and the direct impact of the Jitume Centre on his constituents.
“We also celebrated the Graduation Ceremony of the 2025 Jitume Modules Cohort, where over 200 young people successfully completed training… clear evidence that the Jitume Programme is transforming lives and opening real digital opportunities for our youth,” said Hon. Waithaka.
The MP extended a special appreciation to the CS for donating additional computers to expand the centre’s capacity, which will enable even more young people from Kiambu to access modern ICT training and online work opportunities.
During his address, CS Kabogo also highlighted broader programmes under the Kenya Kwanza Administration, urging residents to ignore “naysayers” and focus on the tangible progress being made. These programmes include the Social Health Authority reforms, the Affordable Housing Programme, and the infrastructural improvement of the Muthaiga–Ndumberi Road dualling, which is expected to significantly reduce traffic.
Residents present at the event unanimously affirmed their support, noting that the Kenya Kwanza Government has remained steadfast in delivering on its promises.
The successful launch and graduation ceremony, attended by key officials including Mr. John Okwiri (CEO Konza Technopolis), Mr. Washington Okoth (Secretary ICT-Infrastructure), and Mr. Thomas Bwaley (ICTA Director for Programmes & Standards), marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s journey towards a truly inclusive digital economy.
