The government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding digital opportunities for young Kenyans, with Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo, launching the Ndumberi Jitume Centre in Kiambu County on Thursday and unveiling a nationwide rollout of 1,450 Digital Hubs.
Speaking during the launch, which also doubled as the graduation ceremony for the Centre’s Module Class of 2025, CS Kabogo said the government is focused on equipping youth with market-ready digital skills and connecting them to the global digital economy.
“We remain committed to expanding digital connectivity, equipping young people with the skills of the future, and accelerating ICT infrastructure to unlock opportunities for every Kenyan,” he said.
The event also celebrated a vibrant cohort of 200 graduates from Cohorts One and Two, who undertook intensive training from May to November this year. The graduates are now equipped with highly sought-after skills crucial for success in the digital economy, including:Virtual Assistance, Digital Marketing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cyber Security, Financial Literacy (including Forex Trading), Data Analysis, Data Entry, Entrepreneurship, and Content Creation.
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The Ndumberi Centre, described by local leaders as a “beehive” of activity, is experiencing massive demand. Just last month, 54 students graduated, and a further 100 youth are already on the waiting list for enrolment in January. Several students provided 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, CS Kabogo outlined ambitious government programmes aimed at national digital transformation:
1,450 Digital Hubs: The government is fast-tracking the establishment of 1,450 Digital Hubs across the country to democratize access to training and technology.
100,000 km Fibre-Optic Network: The construction of 100,000 km of national fibre-optic infrastructure is underway to expand broadband access.
25,000 Public Wi-Fi Hotspots: These are being established in both urban and rural areas to drive digital transformation and unlock economic opportunities for all.
Machua Waithaka, MP for Kiambu Constituency, hosted the event and lauded the Jitume Programme’s success, noting that several constituencies are now visiting to benchmark the Ndumberi model.
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To meet the surging local demand, Hon. Waithaka formally requested additional resources for the centre. “We have a total of 50 computers as at now. We therefore request like 100 more computers so that we can be able to handle the demand,” he stated. He also requested Starlink Internet connectivity to replace the current slow individual Wi-Fi sources, which often inconvenience learners.
The request was partially met immediately, as the CS generously donated additional computers to expand the centre’s capacity, a move Hon. Waithaka called “generous support” that will enable even more young people from Kiambu to access modern ICT training.
CS Kabogo also addressed the gathering on key Government programmes under the Kenya Kwanza Administration, including the Social Health Authority reforms, the Affordable Housing Programme, and the infrastructural dualling of the Muthaiga–Ndumberi Road.
He urged residents to ignore “naysayers who seek to mislead them, and instead focus on the tangible progress already being made.” The residents present unanimously affirmed that the Kenya Kwanza Government has remained steadfast in delivering on its promises.
The event was attended by key officials, including CEO Konza Technopolis Mr. John Okwiri, Secretary ICT-Infrastructure Mr. Washington Okoth, and ICTA Director for Programmes & Standards Mr. Thomas Bwaley, highlighting the inter-agency commitment to the digital agenda.
By Felix Wanderi
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