The Kiambu County Library in Thika has marked a major milestone in youth empowerment, graduating its 24th cohort from the Library Innovation and Creative Hub in a ceremony held on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
The latest group of trainees completed an intensive three-month programme designed to equip young people with practical, job-ready skills that bridge the gap between education and employment.
At the core of the training is a strong focus on the modern digital economy. Participants gain hands-on experience in artificial intelligence, data analysis and core computing, while also learning how to navigate online job platforms and digital applications.
The programme which goes beyond technical training, integrates sign language and essential life skills, producing well-rounded graduates prepared for both corporate careers and entrepreneurial ventures.
The curriculum blends cutting-edge digital instruction with mentorship-driven career coaching, giving participants direct access to industry expertise.
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Kiambu County Director for Culture, Arts and Library Services, Kennedy Mwangi, praised the graduates’ commitment and urged them to translate their skills into real-world impact.
He challenged the cohort to move beyond the classroom and use their technical knowledge to transform their lives and communities.
Mwangi reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to expanding youth-focused initiatives, positioning libraries as innovation hubs that deliver digital literacy and economic opportunity—far beyond their traditional role as book repositories.
The ceremony’s guest of honour, Thika West Sub-County Director of Education Maurice Sifuna, echoed the call for adaptability in a fast-changing job market.
“This programme is a bridge to the professional world, not just an academic exercise,” he said. “Use these competencies to create opportunities and open doors across the industry.”
For many graduates, the experience has been transformative. Participants say exposure to digital networks and remote work tools has boosted their confidence and sharpened their competitiveness in the job market.
Buoyed by the programme’s success, Kiambu County now plans to expand the initiative to more areas, in a broader effort to curb youth unemployment and position the region as a leading hub for digital talent.
By Juma Ndigo
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