Jitume Hubs open access to digital skills

Mr. Emmanuel Ndunda, a former student at the Masai National Polytechnic, explains to the Government Spokesperson, Dr. Isaac Mwaura (2^nd left and his Deputy Mr. Gabriel Muthuma (immediate left), how he has benefited from the skills he attained from the Polytechnic’s Jitume Hub training./OGS

In a world where technology is rapidly reshaping economies, access to digital skills has become a trendsetter for young people across Kenya.

The Internet of Things, blockchain, big data, 3D technology, machine learning as well as generative AI have all, at certain extents revolutionized human activities subsequently opening doors to economic independence by creating unlimited opportunities for young people, including persons with disabilities.

A media county tour of the South Rift Region organized by the Office of Government Spokesperson recently to publicize government projects revealed firsthand, how the government’s Information, Communication and Technology infrastructural initiatives were revolutionizing the ways of life both at the urban and rural areas.

Top on the list of these initiatives is the Jitume Digital Hubs established across all the regions with the aim of opening digital job opportunities to the youth in all counties and later in all sub-counties and electoral wards level.

Part of the Kajiado County’s tour place of interest was the Jitume Hub at the Maasai National Polytechnic with the aim of pointing out the public how the digital facility was helping transform lives particularly of the youth.

With over 60 per cent of the country’s population being youth, digital innovations provide a golden chance to shift from a manual manufacturing-based economy to a digital one.

In this era, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a defining technology, and the demand for skilled professionals is expected to rise.

Leah Sonto, a 19-year-old student leader representing persons with disabilities (PWDS) at Maasai National Polytechnic, explained how she had benefited from the Jitume Hub.

Leah said she had embraced the digital tools offered by the hub to further her education and create opportunities for herself, proving that disability is not inability.

It is not the brain that is affected," she passionately state,d adding that her experience at the Jitume Digital Hub had enabled her to gain the skills and knowledge in freelancing and content generation.

Ms. Leah Sonto, a graduate of the Masai National Youth Polytechnic, takes the Government Spokesperso,n Dr. Isaac Mwaura, through the skills that she imparts to the students as a trainer of trainers while she does her online jobs to earn a living at the Polytechnic’s Jitume Digital Hub./OGS

Leah is currently pursuing a Diploma in Social Work while volunteering her free time to help fellow students with HELB applications, KRA registration and KUCCPS placements.

She has also started a crocheting business, learned new techniques from YouTube tutorials, and uses AI tools like Chatgpt to revise for her exams, courtesy of the digital skills she has learned at the Jitume Hub.

"Technology has given me independence. I no longer feel limited, I can learn, work, and support myself just like anyone else," she proudly says.

She also does beadwork, a skill she learned from her society.

Through the Jitume Hub, Leah has advanced her academic goals and also earned an income.

The money she makes from her crocheting and beadwork business helps support her school fees, with 30 per cent of her earnings going toward her education.

The digital skills Leah has gained are helping her achieve financial independence and break new ground in her personal and professional life.

Another inspiring example is Emanuel Ndunda, a pioneer student at the Jitume Hub. Emanuel earned Sh20,000 per month during his training and is now a Trainer of Trainers in Kajiado County.

"The digital space has reshaped my future. I started as a trainee and now I am empowering others to earn a living online." Emanuel shares.

Emanuel is a skilled web developer, digital content creator, and a graphic designer.

His earnings have allowed him to renovate his mother’s house and build his own house.

"Through my digital skills, I have been able to work with the county government and local businesses. This journey has been life-changing," he adds.

The success stories of Leah, Emanuel and many others illustrate the profound effect that Jitume Digital Hubs are having on the lives of young Kenyans.

“These hubs are part of the Kenyan government’s broader strategy to establish 1,450 digital hubs across the country, with the aim of creating over a million online jobs.”

Explained the Government Spokesperson, Dr. Isaac Mwaur,a when he led a team from his office accompanied by his deputy, Mr. Gabriel Muthum,a to witness the impact of the hubs and enlighten the community on the existence of such initiatives.

To date, 284 hubs have been launched, providing thousands of young people with digital training and access to remote job opportunities, Dr. Mwaura observed.

Leah’s journey, in particular, serves as an encouragement even for people with disabilities (PWDs) to embrace available opportunities.

"As we wait on the government, let us maximise the opportunities around us to be financially independent," she says.

With the future increasingly driven by technology, Dr. Mwaura notes, initiatives like the Jitume Digital Hubs help in providing young people, including PWDs, with the tools they need to thrive in the digital era.

Mr. Muthuma hailed the Jitume Digital Hubs saying they were not only helping young people gain essential digital skills, but were also empowering them to create their own opportunities and build a better future.

“These government initiatives are crucial steps toward providing digital connectivity, training, and job linkages for youth, especially in remote areas. By unlocking access to technology, the program is paving the way for a new generation of digital entrepreneurs and professionals,” noted Mr. Muthuma

Rose Chepkoech works at the Government Spokesperson’s Office.