Kiambu Constituency youths have emerged as the top performers nationally in the Jitume digital skills training initiative, following the successful completion of ICT Stage One by 54 trainees. The graduates were feted during a ceremony held at the Jitume Centre in Ndumberi Village, Kiambu Town, presided over by area Member of Parliament Machua Waithaka.
Speaking during the event, MP Waithaka commended the young graduates for their commitment, describing the milestone as the beginning of a transformative journey.
“Today, we celebrate our youth who have successfully completed ICT Stage 1 training at Jitume Centre Ndumberi. This milestone marks the beginning of a new journey for many of them — a journey of digital empowerment and self-reliance,” Waithaka said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to expanding digital opportunities across the constituency, noting that ICT training was a key pillar in his manifesto.
“My leadership remains firmly committed to ensuring that young people across the constituency are empowered with the digital knowledge and tools they need to thrive in today’s modern, technology-driven world. We believe in actions because it is our people who will benefit,” he said.
The MP explained that his passion for digital transformation was informed by exposure to technology systems abroad, noting that ICT skills have opened global job opportunities for many young people.
“In my manifesto, I stated that someone can be living in Kenya but working in the USA through ICT. Nowadays, companies in America are outsourcing more roles online because in-person hiring is costly. Our youth must tap into these opportunities,” he said.
Waithaka revealed that soon after his election, he took his staff to Konza Technopolis in Machakos County for benchmarking to understand better how to operationalise a functional ICT hub within the constituency.
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“I read the riot act to my employees after the benchmarking visit to ensure they regularly oversee operations at our ICT hub. The results are evident—we now have youth who have graduated with skills and are already earning online,” he added.
The MP announced plans to install more computers to increase capacity, aiming to accommodate over 300 youth graduating every three months.
However, Waithaka also raised concern over rising cases of suicide among young people, attributing them to depression, anxiety, family pressures and experiences of rejection. He urged youth to build strong personal brands and embrace hard work.
Central region Ajira Digital Program coordinator Ben Kabogo praised the Kiambu Constituency for achieving unmatched success in digital skills training.
“There is nowhere you will find an ICT hub with a higher success rate than this one in Kiambu. The commitment of the team here is extraordinary—from communication to training,” Kabogo said.
He encouraged the graduates to advance beyond Stage One, emphasising that digital skills are continually evolving.
“Do not stagnate at one stage. Keep upgrading and encourage other youths at home to enrol. These skills are unmatched and open countless opportunities,” he said.
Kabogo further proposed that the trainees organise a symposium bringing together graduates and potential employers to fast-track job placement.
Aloysius Irubu from the MP’s office said that the overwhelming enrollment led to the creation of a structured, all-day learning schedule to accommodate the growing number of learners.
“From 8 am to 10 am, we have computer packages, from 10 am to 12 pm, we have module part one, and from 12 pm to 2:30 pm, we continue with another module session. Over 200 students rotate through these classes daily,” he said.
Trainees covered a wide array of digital modules, including Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Assistance, Graphic Design, Data Entry, Data Analysis and other market-driven skills essential in today’s digital economy.
MP Waithaka said he was particularly inspired by the testimonies of graduates already earning an income online.
“To hear that some have started earning is exactly the transformation we envisioned for our youth,” he said.
To support holistic development, the MP also donated sports equipment, including table tennis, badminton, darts, chess, Scrabble and draughts, to keep the trainees active and engaged during their free time.
The MP reaffirmed that his leadership remains focused on equipping young people with the skills and opportunities needed to compete and succeed globally.
By Felix Wanderi
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