The national government plans to expand the digital superhighway aimed at rolling out more than 100,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables, installing wifi hotspots in 25,000 identified areas, and building 1,450 digital innovation labs across the country.
This infrastructure will form the backbone of the online creative economy, equipping many Kenyan youths with skills to get jobs in the online space.
"One of the flagship initiatives under this plan is the Jitume programme, a youth empowerment initiative introduced in over 120 TVET institutions nationwide," government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said.
The Jitume programme is aimed at providing youths with various skills and online jobs that offer weekly earnings.
More than 300,000 youths have benefited from the Ajira Digital and Jitume skills organised through the Ministry of ICT and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.
"The impact of the Jitume programme has been significant. Over 500 students and alumni from the Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology (RVIST) have already benefited from the programme since its inception in September last year," Mwaura added.
Participants like Jane Kuria, who joined the programme last August, have shared inspiring testimonials. Kuria now earns more than Sh100,000 per month, which has allowed her to improve her family's livelihood, renovate her mother's house, and run a chicken project.
"I emphasized the government's commitment to the digital superhighway and creative economy, noting that these initiatives are part of the BETA plan. We are glad that the project is doing well for the few applicants who succeeded in getting the online jobs," CS Mwaura said
One of the student from the TVET who benefited from the Jitume programme Tony Kiplangat appreciate the government for helping them settle fees and even assisting their parents through the initiative.
Deputy government spokespersons Mr Gabriel Muthuma and Mwanaisha Chidzuga also mentioned the importance of these opportunities, urging youths to take them seriously and apply whenever available.
One of the digital programmes that the government launched recently was the Finya Computer Free Online Training Programme which targeted youth from 18-35 years.