The County Government of Busia has taken a decisive step toward building a technology-driven economy after 993 youths, including 52 persons living with disabilities (PWDs), graduated under the UK Government Digital Access Programme for Inclusive Digital Futures.
The initiative, commonly known as UKDAP, is a flagship programme designed to equip young people with market-ready digital skills, positioning them to tap into emerging opportunities in the digital economy.
Speaking via video link during the graduation ceremony, Busia Governor Paul Otuoma described the event as both a celebration of achievement and a defining moment in the county’s economic transformation journey.
“Today marks an important milestone, not only for the young people graduating, but for Busia County’s journey toward a digitally enabled economy,” he said. “What we started on January 13, 2026, has transitioned Community Digital Champions into Community Digital Entrepreneurs.”
The governor noted that youth unemployment remains a pressing socio-economic challenge, but emphasised that strategic investment in digital transformation offers a sustainable solution. He pointed out that the skills acquired by the graduates align with sectors that hold high potential for job creation, enterprise development, and value addition.
“As a county, we see digital transformation not as a luxury but as an imperative for inclusive development, global competitiveness, and sustainable progress,” he added, citing alignment with the National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
However, Governor Otuoma cautioned that training alone would not resolve the unemployment crisis, stressing the need for systems that connect skills to real economic opportunities.
“The solution lies not only in training, but in creating systems that connect skills to opportunity. Training alone is not enough,the real work begins now,” he said.
He further underscored the importance of partnerships in sustaining the initiative, highlighting continued collaboration with the African Centre for Women in Information and Communications Technology, the UK Government, financial institutions, and technical partners, including PlusFarm, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation, Dama Dee Technologies, and Boltech Institute of Technology.
Addressing the graduates, he challenged them to become drivers of innovation and economic growth within the county.
“You represent the future of Busia. You are entering an economy where digital skills are no longer optional but foundational,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of African Centre for Women in Information and Communications Technology, Constantine Obuya, attributed the programme’s success to strong collaboration between the county government and its partners. She noted that the initiative is expected to play a critical role in positioning Busia as an emerging hub for digital innovation and investment.
“As we move forward, our focus is on ensuring that these efforts translate into long-term, sustainable opportunities for young people at the county level,” she said.
The programme comes at a time when counties across Kenya are under increasing pressure to rethink traditional development models and embrace technology-driven growth.
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Training under the initiative focused on four key sectors aligned with Busia’s economic priorities. Digital agriculture attracted the highest number of trainees at 431, followed by the gig economy (273), information technology (181), and creative arts (108).
The graduation ceremony was attended by key county officials, including County Executive Committee Member for ICT Andrew Eng. Meso, Chief Officer for Strategic Partnerships, Ms Patricia Okello, Chief Officer for Public Service Management, Dr Wilberforce Lusamba, and Public Service Board Chairman Hon. Michael Onyura, among other senior staff.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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