Youths who have embraced digital literacy have been implored to utilize their skills in rural areas to support residents and solve problems related to online services.
Technical Vocational and Educational Training ( TVET) Secretary Joseph Njau said a lot of services are online, noting, it will help reduce the costs of residents travelling long distances to seek the services that benefit them.
Speaking at the Mokubo Chiefs’ office in Bomachoge Borabu constituency, Kisii County, during the graduation of 150 trainees, he stated that the government has partnered with various organisations to train Kenyans at the grassroots level, fostering digital literacy.
“The trainees have been equipped with digital marketing, financial literacy, basic computer literacy, entrepreneurship and online safety during a one-month free training,” Njau said.
The Officer, who represented the Education Cabinet Secretary, Julius Ogamba, said the government had partnered with Huawei, DigiTruck, the Digital Economy Ministry, Computer for Schools, and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Authority.
He said the graduation market created a new Chapter for the trainees, noting that they were awarded Certificates to enable them to pursue online jobs, improve their lives, and create jobs for others.
Hyline Mayaka, a nominated Member of Parliament, urged trainees to utilise their skills to market agricultural products from rural areas to both local and international markets.
Accompanied by Kisii National Polytechnic Chief Principal, John Akola, and Huawei Director of Public Affairs, Yuta Leng, she noted that the trainees can earn commissions by selling their produce online and improve their lives.
“The Gusii community is an agricultural area. The majority of residents are farmers and can benefit if they dry vegetables, package and export them to foreign countries through online platforms,” Mayaka said.
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Leng noted that the youths can be influential innovators and change-makers if they are given the right tools, adding that the Company will expand digital inclusion and aid the next generation of Kenyan leaders.
“We have trained more than 9000 learners in some parts of rural areas, and we are supporting Kenya’s digital superhighway to promote digital literacy in rural areas”, Leng said during the graduation.
Akola lauded the company for its Digital Mobile Truck Training program, saying it brings training to the grassroots and is convenient, adding that the Polytechnic will adopt it.
The Chief Principal noted the initiative would enable youths who cannot acquire the skills at TVETs to acquire them easily and qualify like those in the TVETs.
He said the government is offering scholarships to trainees at TVETs and urged Kenyans to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire the skills that will improve their lives.
By Emmanuel Gwakoi
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