In the heart of Meru County, a quiet digital revolution is underway after a team of professionals, dubbed the Imenti Development Forum (IDF), vowed to transform villages into thriving technology hubs to unlock digital opportunities.
Led by patron Mugambi Imanyara, IDF has spearheaded the creation of state-of-the-art ICT centres in the Imenti region, bridging the gap between rural life and the urban digital world.
“We started this initiative to transform the community where the digital world is sleepy. We connect people, especially the youths in rural areas, with the internet and unlock the opportunities that come with the digital world,” said Imanyara.
Speaking at Kathiranga and Ithimbari in Imenti’s central and south, respectively, where they launched two digital hubs, Imanyara emphasised that the centre is not just about browsing but a launchpad for education, employment, and farming empowerment.
The principal assistant communication officer in the office of Deputy President Muthaura Njogu challenged the youth to take advantage of the ICT hubs, saying they are a doorway to global job opportunities and digital literacy.
“We aim to help our community connect with the other world. Not everybody can access the digital opportunities. So we want even the most disadvantaged child to benefit from and access technology. That’s our dream,” said Muthaura.
A member, businessman Muriuki Kindigo, also called on farmers to utilise the opportunity, claiming it’s a source of knowledge on modern agricultural practices.
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He also advised the youths to avoid toxic sites and focus only on learning skills to sharpen their knowledge.
The team stressed the importance of computer literacy in today’s world, emphasising that computers are no longer a luxury but a necessity.
Meru County Sport CEC Elias Murega lauded the team for taking bold steps to empower its youth and stepping out to tackle rising social challenges.
Murega said the county government will partner with the Imenti Development Forum to use ICT to uplift communities.
He also urged the youth to embrace opportunities for self-empowerment, including access to financial support through platforms like the Nyota App.
Murega encouraged youth to take charge of their future by acquiring new skills and seeking economic independence.
Highlighting the pressing issues in the region, Murega revealed that Meru County is currently leading in cases of crime, gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, and cancer
However, he noted that Governor Isaac Mutuma’s government is working on urgent, innovative interventions to mitigate the threatening challenges.
“One of the county’s key strategies is promoting sports to engage youth, reduce idleness, and combat drug and substance abuse. We support sports as a platform to foster discipline and create new opportunities for the young generation,” said Murega.
By John Majau
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